Barbara A. Wannarka, 92
Published 9:14 pm Wednesday, February 19, 2025
Barbara A. Wannarka, 92
Barbara “Barb” Ann Wannarka, 92, of Austin, Minn, passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on February 14, 2025 at St. Marys Hospital in Rochester, Minn.
Barbara was born March 22, 1932 in Austin, Minn to Andrew and Viola (Meek) Majerus. She was united in marriage to Donald Wannarka on July 14, 1961 at St. Augustine Catholic Church.
Barb worked at Hormel for 19 years before taking time off to raise her family. She then worked at Gerard of Minnesota.
Barb was a lifelong gardener that took pride in growing a variety of perennials and roses. She was an active member of St. Augustine Church. She enjoyed monthly “birthday clubs” with friends at the Legion Club, having a cocktail, and playing pull-tabs. She was an amazing cook that enjoyed sharing her baking, especially her banana bread.
She is survived by her three daughters, Mary Jo Schwalbe, Bemidji, MN, Stacie Wannarka, Rochester, MN, and Ranee (Darcy) Farlinger, Spring Valley, MN; granddaughters: Audrey and Merredith; sisters: Janice Teich and Janet Haldorson; sister-in-law: Pam Majerus; cousins, nieces and nephews.
Barb was preceded in death by her parents Andrew and Viola; husband Donald, sisters Dorothy Mandt, Mary Lou Majerus, Patricia Taylor; brothers Ron Majerus and Gary Majerus; and son-in-law Casper Schwalbe.
A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11:00 am on Friday, February 28th at St. Augustine Catholic Church with Father Thien Nguyen officiating. Visitation will be at the church on Friday one hour prior to the service. Interment will be in Calvary Cemetery.
Clasen-Jordan Mortuary is in charge of arrangements.