Barbara Ann Barbknecht

Barbara Ann (Kortuem) Barbknecht, 81, passed away peacefully at home on October 8, 2025, surrounded by her loving family.

Barbara was born on July 7, 1944, in Mankato, Minnesota, to Rita Mae (Clemons) and Robert Francis Kortuem. As the oldest girl of 7 children, she was always a mom.

On March 23, 1968, Barbara married the love of her life, Donald Barbknecht, in Waseca, Minnesota. Together they built a life centered around faith, family, and service. They were blessed with five children: Jeffrey, Tracey, Rebecca, Steven, and Timothy, and later with 10 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren, who were her greatest joy.

After receiving her teaching degree from Mankato State College, Barb went on to teach special education in Owatonna, MN, then elementary grades in Salem and Valsetz, OR and was instrumental in pioneering the kindergarten program in Valsetz. Leaving public school teaching behind, she spent many years providing home daycare to numerous families, and then, founded and directed Faith Daycare/Preschool at Faith Lutheran Church for 11 successful years. Her dedication to nurturing children and creating a welcoming environment for all left a lasting impact on countless families and friends.

Barb had a creative and generous spirit. A talented seamstress, she lovingly made clothes for her family in the early years and also worked in ceramics, painting and embroidery. One year, she created twelve stuffed bunny rabbits and several teddy bears from old faux fur coats to give to her daycare children and others. In more recent years, she handmade Christmas stockings for each of her children and grandchildren.

Barbara enjoyed life’s simple pleasures: working on puzzles, watching the morning sunrise with her coffee and Jesus, and discovering treasures at thrift stores and garage sales. Known by many as a “professional” bargain hunter, she always shopped with others in mind, finding joy in giving gifts and brightening the lives of those around her. Don and Barb also loved to travel and vacation in MN, WA, MT, MI, TX, FL, AZ, and Hawaii, cherishing time together and with loved ones wherever they went. They especially enjoyed traveling during fall so they could witness the beautiful changing colors of the season all around the USA. She was also blessed to do a bucket-list trip to Germany which included a visit to the ancestral Kortuem home.

Barb will be remembered for her selflessness, faith, and unwavering love for others. She always did her best to make everyone feel safe, special and loved, putting the needs of others before her own. She was the planner and the hands of hard work behind the creation of so many special memories.

She is survived by her husband, Donald; her children and their spouses Jeffrey (Kristina), Tracey (Larry), Steven (Amber), and Timothy (Alexis); her beloved grandchildren and great-grandchildren; many dear friends and extended family. She was preceded in death by her parents, Rita and Robert Kortuem, step-father Raymond Gallagher, and daughter, Rebecca.

Memorial contributions can be made to Faith Lutheran Church in Monmouth, OR, St. Judes’ Children hospital, Shriners Children's Hospital, or Tunnels to Towers.

All flowers should be sent to the church, Faith Lutheran Church in Monmouth, OR.