Barbara Joanne Stevens, 77

Published 10:39 am Friday, December 30, 2016

Barbara Joanne Stevens, 77

Barbara Joanne Stevens, 77, of Rochester, Minnesota, passed away peacefully at her home on Dec. 25, 2016.

She was born to Edward and Emma Burdine (Morlan) on April 28, 1939, in Scranton, Iowa. She was raised in Austin, Minnesota, and graduated from high school in Austin in 1957. On March 3, 1962, she was united in marriage to Orville Stevens of Albert Lea, Minnesota. In 1980, she moved to Brownsdale, Minnesota, where she raised her sons. In 2012, she moved to her current home in Rochester, where Barb had a variety of jobs during her working years, including waitressing, caregiving and gas station/bus clerk. Barb enjoyed helping her family and most recently was living in Rochester helping Jeff and Connie tend to a second home. She enjoyed being outdoors working in the yard and garden. She was an avid reader and TV watcher; she was a great conversationalist and had a witty sense of humor.

Barb is lovingly remembered by her sons, Tim Christianson of Crystal, Minnesota and Jeff Stevens (Connie) of Mankato, Minnesota; her daughter-in-law, Sherri Stevens of St. Paul Park, Minnesota; her grandsons, Codey Wadding and Michael Stevens , both of St. Paul, Park; and her sister, Joy (Van) Vander Schaaf of Fort Myers, Florida. She is also fondly remembered by nephews Curt and Bill Klingerman and other extended family and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents; her brother, Donald; and her son, Mark.

A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Monday, Jan. 2, 2017, at Hosanna Lutheran Church, 105 Hosanna Drive, Mankato. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service from 1 to 2 p.m at the church in Mankato.

Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Home of Rochester is in charge of arrangements.