Barbara Jean Johnson

In Loving Memory of Barbara Jean Johnson May 4, 1942 - September 8, 2025 Barb was a force of nature wrapped in kindness, grit, and inner strength. She was born and raised in Minneapolis, graduating from South High School as a cheerleader and athlete. She was confirmed at St. Paul's Evangelical Lutheran Church where her faith began to take root and blossom into a lifelong commitment to service and compassion. She played softball, tennis, and basketball while growing up; loved volleyball, bowling, cross-country skiing, and canoeing in her adult years; and continued to refine her tennis and golf skills well into her 70s. Barb was a single mother who somehow made magic out of thin air. She could stretch a dollar like no one else-turning one-piece swimsuits into dance leotards and painting the entire exterior of our house by herself during her week-long summer "vacation." She was our very own MacGyver, always finding a way, always making it work. She worked for Northwestern Bell for over 25 years and then gave another decade to Hennepin County. But her real legacy was in how she lived outside of work: fiercely independent, consistently generous, and deeply loyal. She volunteered tirelessly-sorting donated household items for Bridging, sewing prayer blankets, helping with Loaves & Fishes, and making stewardship calls for her church, reading to Bloomington elementary school students, and serving two terms on her HOA Board-as Secretary and then as Vice President. Barb met her longtime love, Jack Huie, at Twin Cities Tennis Club in 1993. Barb meant the world to Jack. They were engaged in 1998 and together they built a beautiful life filled with laughter, travel, and shared adventures. They kept each other on their toes in tennis and golf, chased the warmth of sunnier states during cold Minnesota winters, enjoyed many meals with friends, and explored the world-from a river cruise in France and the fall colors of Nova Scotia, to a safari in South Africa and visiting Susan's family in Vietnam and Nicaragua. Her favorite journeys were always the ones that brought her closer to her kids (Susan/Andy, Heidi, Harry/Mei, and Janice/Tim) and grandkids (Boden, Lake, Kellan, and An-Mei). She was a devoted partner, a caring friend, and the kind of mother and grandmother who showed love not just in words, but in actions-quiet, steady, and unwavering. Even after her diagnosis of acute myeloid leukemia in July 2024, she faced each day with courage and dignity, often driving herself to medical appointments and rarely complaining, even as her strength waned. Barb passed away peacefully on the morning of September 8, with daughter Heidi by her side. She was 83. She leaves behind family and dear friends - all of us incredibly blessed because we were loved by her. A celebration of her life will be held over Thanksgiving weekend on Saturday, November 29th at Oak Grove Presbyterian Church (220 W Old Shakopee Rd, Bloomington) at 11am, with lunch to follow. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to three organizations close to Barb's heart: Oak Grove Presbyterian Church, Minnesota Public Radio, and Masonic Cancer Center/UofM She was our rock, our heart, our home. And she will be missed more than words can say.

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Barbara Jean Johnson

May 4, 1942 - September 8, 2025

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