Jeffrey James Barber, 43, of Lakeville, died unexpectedly Thursday, April 29, 2010.
He was born in Cleveland, Ohio on Dec. 8, 1966 and was raised in Austin, where he graduated from Austin High School in 1986. He then attended the University of Minnesota. Jeff was an avid athlete involved with coaching youth sports. He was named All Big Nine punter in high school football and was a member of the U of M football team in 1986-87.
He excelled as well in basketball and golf.
In 1990, Jeff married Colleen Sullivan of Minneapolis.
He was employed by Barrett United Van Lines as a salesman accomplishing notable and national awarded sales goals.
Jeff is survived by his loving wife, Colleen Barber; son, Max; daughter, Sydney; twin brothers, Scott and Steve; their wives, Sally and Nancy; nieces, Olivia, Amelia, Julia, Allison and Stephanie; and his parents, James and Nancy Barber of Burnsville.
At the end of his life, Jeff’s favorite movie and saying was “It’s A Wonderful Life.” It remains in the hearts and minds of his surviving family. He was an exceptional person, loving father, generous, kind and faithful friend to all who had the privilege of his being.
Jeff was special to so many and will be missed by all who knew him.
A memorial service will be held Tuesday, May 4, 2010 at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, 13901 Fairview Drive, Burnsville, MN, with a gathering of family and friends from 4 to 8 p.m. Monday, May 3 at the White Funeral Home, 20134 Kenwood Trail (County Road 50), Lakeville.
In lieu of flowers, memorials will be used towards the children’s education fund. A memorial fund has been set up at Sterling State Bank,16366 Kenrick Ave. Lakeville, MN 55044, “Attention Jeff Barber Memorial Fund.”
Arrangements are by White Funeral Home.