Marcia Jean (Barnes) Barkemeyer

Marcia entered the world at a time of great uncertainty but her loving family never waivered in their care for each other.  As the first of four siblings, she was determined to “Do It My Way” from the beginning.  That included many caring years as dutiful daughter, big sister, Campfire girl, family worker and successful student.  Whether in the city, visiting a family farm or at summer camp she mastered the opportunities.

While working her way through Hamline University, (with required alphabetical seating) she encountered Louis Barkemeyer and became his devoted lifetime partner.  With two years of courtship and marriage in 1954 our “togetherness” has been more then 72 years of friendship, fulfilment and devotion.

Marcia “did it her way” in joining Lou at his Army assignment in Japan in 1955.  She taught English to Japanese kindergarten class then upon returning to St. Paul a son, Joel was born and two years later daughter Lorri, completed the family in Mankato, MN.  The family of four was central to her life while also working in several social service capacities in health care facilities for thirty years.   Grandchildren Bradley, Emilia, Erin, Benjamin, Brooke and great grandchildren James, Jayden, Xane, Isaiah, and Levi all became the most enriching loves of her life.

While camping with tent and canoe filled many weekends, vacations to families and friends in distant states were cherished.  Our home location changed about every 18 years from St. Paul, MN to Flagstaff, Cornville and finally Sun City, AZ.

Retirement brought travel to many countries with those in the “Far East” were most enjoyed for their dramatic cultural differences.  However, Marcia was far from idle between trips, doing volunteer work in many settings for 28 years.

Marcia’s journey ended with a move with Lou to The Gardens of Sun City in September 2023, where they were together in assisted living and memory care.