Barbara Kerkvliet died Tuesday, June 27, 2023, at the Owatonna Hospital.
Barbara was born March 1, 1933, in Red Wing, MN, to William and Florence (Haller) Monson. They moved to the Wanamingo area when she was young. She attended a one room country school until the 7th grade and graduated from Wanamingo High School in 1951. After high school, she attended Kahler School of Nursing in Rochester, MN. She graduated in 1954, earning a degree as a Registered Nurse.
In 1955, she met Harold Kerkvliet and they were married on June 11, 1955 in Rochester. They were blessed with three sons: Rahn, David, and Dan.
Barbara enjoyed spectator sports, music, and playing card games, especially bridge. She was a member of the VFW Auxiliary, Elks Bridge Group, and earlier in life the Blue Line Club, Bloodmobile, Meals on Wheels, and the Hospital Auxiliary. She was a wonderful wife and mother and will be greatly missed by her family.
She is survived by her husband of 68 years, Harold; sons Rahn (Sherry) of Soldotna, AK, David (Alice) of Soldotna, AK, Daniel (Cecilia) of Anchorage, AK; grandchildren Joshua (Keri) Kerkvliet, Katelynn (Mike) Hawkins, Bien Metcalfe, Peter Metcalfe, Dawn Mettler and MaryJo Mettler; and one great-granddaughter Adalynn Ann “Addy”.
She was preceded in death by her parents and brother John Monson.
At Barbara’s request, there will be no service. Her body has been donated to the Mayo Clinic Anatomical Bequest Program for research. Upon the completion of research, burial will take place at Ft. Snelling National Cemetery.
Memorials may be sent to the Owatonna Foundation or donor's choice.
