Judy Barnes of Bricelyn, Minnesota passed away peacefully at home on Wednesday, 27 July 2022 in the company of those who loved her.
Born Judith Anne Ackerman on 03 December 1937 to Orlando and Marjorie (Hynes) Ackerman in Wells, Minnesota, she was one of 10 children in a lively and loving family. She attended primary school in Wells and high school in Kiester, graduating in 1955. In high school she excelled in the dramatic arts; taking roles in every production, and her beautiful alto voice often allowed her the lead singing parts as well.
While attending college at Mankato State University as an English student, she met Robert Wilson Barnes and they married on 01 December 1956. They remained married until his passing on 10 August 1991. Judy and Bob had 4 exceptional children; Robert Joel, 08 June 1957 – 30 March 2015; Daniel David, 30 June 1958 – 16 March 2013; Craig Philip, 20 August 1959 – 03 March 2008, and Jaime Terese – 14 January 1961; individuals all, and wonderful souls.
Judy was an avid birder and gardener, a voracious reader and a lover of the arts. To borrow a quote from her, “You can’t have too many books, too much art, or enough music.” An adventurous soul, she rode the RAGBRAI in 1975, took numerous hikes and camping trips in the Rockies, a tattoo to commemorate her 60th birthday, and zip lining to celebrate her 80th! She also did a fair bit of traveling; visiting China, Egypt, Zambia, Jordan, Cuba, and Ireland as well as cruises on the Mediterranean Sea and the Rhine River that allowed short visits to numerous European countries.
Preceded in death by her husband Robert (Bob) Barnes, her sons Robert (Rob) Barnes, Daniel (Dan) Barnes, and Craig Barnes, and her brothers Orlando (Lon) Ackerman, Philip (Phil) Ackerman, Joel Ackerman, Michael (Mike) Ackerman, and Richard (Rick) Ackerman.
She is survived by her daughter Jaime Ferguson and husband Doug, her grandchildren Jordan Ferguson, David and LeAnn Ferguson, Braden Ferguson, great-grandchildren Daniel and Daeton Ferguson, brother Gregory (Greg) Ackerman, and sisters Mary Lee (Teita) Amberg, Kathleen (Kas) Greenfield, and Melisse (Meem) Storvick. An intelligent and compassionate soul, she will be dearly missed by all who have had the good fortune to know her. Death leaves a heartache no one can heal; Love leaves a memory no one can steal.
Memorial services will be held 11:00AM, 06 Sunday, August 2023 at the Clayton Cemetery in Bricelyn, MN. Nasinec Funeral Home in Wells is entrusted with arrangements. Please see www.nasinecfh.com to leave online condolences.
My Dear Sister Jamie!
I have learnt of your dear Mum’s passing with sadness..
She was a lovely woman, I am so happy to have met such a wonderful woman.
Sending you hugs and kisses.
My sincere condolences on your loss.
What wonderful friends and neighbors! Many wonderful memories.
To Teita, Meem, Kas and Jamie, I write this to all of you, because I know you and have shared time with you while sharing times with Judy. I also send my sympathy to the rest of her family who loved her dearly. I share in your sorrow in Judy’s passing as I too am sad that I will not have the chance to see her in this life again, but happy that I will see her in the next. In remembrance of Judy, I smile just because her smile was contagious, while her eyes sparkled. She lived to the fullest by opening up her senses to life itself. She was a rare bird indeed!!! Judy was never condemning or judgmental to me, but accepting and compassionate, warm and embracing. Judy would look into the heart and soul to see if one was truly a “kindred spirit”. She knew beyond the surface of a person, in the core, lies the spirit. I sincerely loved her; even though we did not get to share our seasoned years together, I have enough warm and happy memories to last the rest of my life and beyond!!! And of course “secrets” Judy knew I would only hang on the moon on my way out. One of her best traits; she was never too busy to listen. If I needed a shoulder to cry on, she was there, or a kick in the pants if I needed it! I will always chuckle at the stories we concocted for our own entertainment, sometimes a bit outlandish and quite colorful!! Oh, the times we had.
God is definitely going to have His hands full with Judy, she will have a thousand questions for him and also probably let Him know where he could have used a little input from her with his Plan!!!!
Love, hugs and prayers to all,
Mary Landis
804 E. 6th St.
Loveland, Co 80537
Mtlandisart@gmail.com
Judy was the most compassionate, kind, and understanding supervisor I ever had at Hach company she even let us borrow her dog, Frazier for years when she was in an apartment in Ames. Craig returned Frazier to Judy for Mother’s Day years later. I loved Judy
I am sorry for your loss. Judy worked at Hach in Loveland, CO., that is where I met her. I loved her laugh and how happy she was.
She was a good friend to my Aunt Adeline and now they can be together in heaven. I remember her pretty eyes. God has gained a wonderful
angel. She will be missed.