Cover photo for Barbara Wills's Obituary
Barbara Wills Profile Photo

Barbara Wills

April 18, 1960 — June 24, 2021

Barbara Wills

Wills, Barbara J. born Apr. 18, 1960 Minneapolis, MN; passed away June 24, 2021, Brooklyn Park, MN. Preceded in death by her father Eugene Wills and nephew Henry Wills. Barb will be deeply missed by her family, Mom (Virginia), and siblings: Linda (John) Kotzer, Tom, Debbie (Tom) Margotto, Mary Kay (Ron) Luethmers, Mike (Cindy), Joe (Christy), nieces and nephews, Kari, Chris, Kevin, John Jr., Jessica, Brittany, Tony, Casey, Brian, Gena, Katie, T.J., Hollie, Megan, Julia. grand-nieces and grand-nephews.

Barb’s countless friends meant the world to her, with some of those relationships dating back to kindergarten. She will be missed intensely, but her friends and family will carry the light of her spirit forever.

She graduated from the University of St. Thomas with a BA in journalism, then began her career in the Revisor’s Office; she proudly continued to serve the state at the Minnesota Department of Health until retirement. She was part of the team that was instrumental in developing data standards and implementing electronic health records. She went on to serve as the assistant director of Human Resources Management.

Barb enjoyed - and excelled at - a wide range of interests.

Crochet: Each new grand-niece and grand-nephew received one of Barb’s crochet masterpieces, a sweater, hat, booties, and a blanket, some of which earned ribbons for excellence at the State Fair.

Gardening: Her creativity and green thumb made her gardens at home and at the cabin remarkable. She successfully collaborated with Douglas County and the DNR on her shore line project.

Cable television: A recipient of CTV North Suburbs’ StarMaker Award, Barb was deemed the “Swiss army knife” of volunteers during her many years at CTV, also earning a spot in their esteemed Hall of Fame. She especially loved working the parades, concerts, the Korean War Vets Picnic, among many other events and productions. She met some amazing people who went on to become close friends.

Generously transforming the family lake place near Alexandria stands as a testament to Barb’s deep love and commitment to her family. The complex project to acquire, install, and furnish a new 3-bedroom home on the site of the original family cabin provided a retreat for family and friends to gather, or to simply retreat from the grind of daily life. Barb loved to hear stories about the big one that got away, the fish fries, and everyone’s adventures.

For those able to celebrate Barb’s life:

Tues, June 29 : 5-7 p.m . - Visitation at Gearty-Delmore, 15800 37th Ave N, Plymouth, MN 55446

Wed, June 30 : 10 a.m . - Visitation at Church of St. Timothy, 707 89th Ave NE, Blaine, MN 55434

11 a.m. - Mass of Christian Burial, Church of St. Timothy, 707 89th Ave NE, Blaine, MN 55434

Following Mass - Burial at St. Vincent de Paul Cemetery, 8601 93rd Ave N, Osseo MN 55369

Following burial - Lunch at St. Vincent de Paul parish hall, 9100 93rd Ave N, Brooklyn Park MN 55445

Memorials preferred to ARCMinnesota.org


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Visitation

Gearty-Delmore Plymouth Chapel
  • Email Details
  • 15800 37th Avenue North
    Plymouth, MN 55446
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