Barbara Jean Lackens, 81, of Minneapolis, Minnesota, died peacefully on March 16, 2018.

She and the love of her life, John Lackens, were blessed to have renewed their wedding vows on their 60th anniversary last Dec. 28, in celebration with their children and grandchildren. On their life’s journey, Barb and John raised a family, built a business and traveled the world.

Barbara was the voice cheering on every person in her family and her positive attitude lifted us all. She will be remembered as a truly lovely, caring, generous and patient lady who embraced being a traditional wife, mother and grandmother. With her inquisitive mind, she was an avid reader and a life-long learner. A one-time “plant doctor” with Bachman’s, she loved nature, appreciating it in her backyard in Minneapolis, or up at the cabin in Northern Wisconsin or at her home in Rio Verde, Arizona.

She will be forever missed by her husband, John; and their children and their families, Greg, Angi, Sophi and David Lackens, and Cathy, Phil, John, Ben and Grace Homer. She is also survived by her sister, Deanna Andersen and family; and sister-in-law, Barbara Barkhuff. Barbara was preceded in death by her parents, Dean and Jane Barkhuff; and brother, David.

A celebration of Barbara’s life will be at 10 a.m. on Friday, March 23, 2018, at Church of the Assumption, 51 7th Street W, St. Paul, MN, with a gathering at the church to follow. The family requests donations in memory of Barbara to Catholic Eldercare on Main (catholiceldercare.org).