Barbara Gerber

Barbara Ann Gerber, June 8th, 1930 - May 21st, 2024, passed away peacefully, surrounded by the love of her family at the age of 93. Born and raised on the North Side of Minneapolis, she moved to Brooklyn Center with her husband, Bill, in 1955 to raise her family. She lived in Brooklyn Park at Glen Echo Townhomes for 22 years. She died at St. Therese Oxbow Lake in Brooklyn Park where she lived for the past 5 years. Preceded in death by parents, Olive and Frank Riel,  loving husband of 46 years, Bill, sons Paul and Gerard, daughter Mary Jane, siblings Audrey Verlo, Frances Pringle, and Thomas Riel, sisters-in-law Mary Margaret Trainor and Pat Riel, brothers-in-law Jerry Gerber, Arnie Verlo and Jimmy Pringle, aunts Bernice Johnson, Rosalyn Sweigert, and uncle Bill Johnson, mother-in-law Helen Gerber and father-in-law Elmer Gerber. Survived by children, Nancy Benson (Brian), Peter (Deb), Sally (friend Vickie Redmond), Patrick (Annamarie), Mary Goman (Joe). 11 Grandchildren, Robert Benson, Angela Grossnickle (Dustin), Billy Gerber (Kim), Molly Drown (Matt), Joe Gerber (Rachel), Julia Lindquist (Hunter), Maria Goman, Sophia Goman, Bridget Gerber, Brendan Gerber, and Jacob Goman. 7 Great-Grandchildren: William, Ava, Isla, Olivia, Miles, Thomas, and Lucas. Special friend, Patty Haugen Gust. Many nieces, nephews, cousins, and too many friend groups to list, but it includes friends from Ascension Parish, North High, St. Therese, St. Alphonsus, Totino-Grace, and past neighbors. Barb was a proud and devoted Catholic. She was a founding member of St. Alphonsus Catholic Church and the first CCW president. In 1965, she helped petition the Archdiocese to build a co-ed Catholic High School in the Northwest quadrant of the Twin Cities. Grace High School opened its doors in 1966, where she spent the next 20 years volunteering her time and service to the community. She worked at CEAP in Brooklyn Park as the Assistant Director for 20 years until her retirement. She was a wonderful cook, hostess, and the life of any party. She is described by everyone who knew her as fun, friendly, kind, faithful, classy, and beautiful. She lived to serve those less fortunate than her, but her family, including her extended family, was her life's center and true love. She gave us the gift of family and faith; her legacy will live forever in our hearts. Mass of Christian Burial 11 AM Tuesday, May 28th, 2024, at The Church of St. Alphonsus, 7025 Halifax Ave N, Brooklyn Center. Visitation 1 hour before Mass at church. Luncheon to follow. Interment Gethsemane Cemetery, New Hope. A special thank you to Park Nicollet Home Hospice for their loving care of our mom and the staff at St. Therese. Memorials preferred to Totino-Grace High School.