Barbara Jean Harmon, 74, of Oakdale, Minnesota, passed away Thursday, Dec. 3, 2015, after a short battle with cancer.

Barbara was born to Lawrence Sr. and Lorraine Arens of Austin on June 2, 1941. She grew up in Austin where she attended Pacelli High School. On Aug. 16, 1958, she married Mitchell (Mick) Nemitz of Austin. They had two daughters: Gina and Heidi. After they married they moved to the cities. They were married for 11 years and later divorced. She married James Harmon in April, 1979. They resided in Lake Elmo until later building a beautiful home in Oakdale.

Barbara was a 3M retiree. She currently worked at Johnson Williams Funeral Car Services for the past 10 years. She had many friends from this work family. They all miss hearing her soothing, gentle, calming voice when answering the phone for people who have lost their loved ones.

She will be remembered most for her kindness. She was the most loving and giving woman on earth. Her family meant the world to her. She loved being with her grandkids and great-grandkids. She was a Miata Club Member, flower gardener, loyal Vikings fan, and avid Bingo player. She enjoyed collecting rocks for her landscaping. She decorated with chickens and roosters.

She lived life to its fullest. She loved to travel. She won a trip to Hawaii for the Pro Bowl, enjoyed Vegas and California trips. Her favorite was Jamaica. She was hoping to make it there again. She once won a van from KDWB radio station in the 70’s and traded it in for a Chevette instead. She was an outspoken democrat, in hopes for Hillary to win the presidential election.

She is survived by her children: Gina (Rodney) Orth of Byron, and Heidi Marty of Oakdale; two brothers: Larry (Linda) Arens of Austin, and Greg Arens of Austin; also six grandchildren, six great-grandchildren (with two more on the way) and nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Mick and Jim; niece Kelly Arens; former sister-in-law Sinthia; and her beloved dogs Bailey and Lamby Pie.

Her body was cremated as per her wishes. Private services will be held at a later date in Austin.