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Barbara J. McKinnon
1937 - 2025
BORN
1937
DIED
2025
FUNERAL HOME
126 Third Street Northeast
Mason City, Iowa
UPCOMING SERVICE
Barbara McKinnon Obituary
November 17, 1937 - October 23, 2025
Barbara J. "Barb" McKinnon, 87, of Rockwell, Iowa, passed away peacefully at her home on October 23, 2025, surrounded by her loving family.
Barbara was born on November 17, 1937, in Boston, Massachusetts, the second oldest of ten children. As a young woman, she joined the Drum and Bugle Corps, where she proudly served as a member of the color guard. The corps performed and marched in parades throughout the Boston area, creating some of her fondest memories. It was there that she caught the eye of Frank McKinnon, a childhood friend who grew up across the street and played drums in the same corps. They became best friends, and in 1956 Frank asked for her hand in marriage. They were wed on August 10, 1957, at Holy Trinity Church in Boston.
Together, Barb and Frank built a beautiful life centered on love, faith, and family. They became the parents of five children. She was a loving and attentive mother who was always present for her children's activities and milestones.
After Frank's retirement, the couple joined the Drum and Bugle Corps Alumni Band, rekindling their shared love of music and community. In 1977, they moved to Iowa, where they spent the next four decades traveling often between Massachusetts and Iowa to be with their children and grandchildren, cheering them on through life's many big moments and achievements.
Barb had a natural creative spirit and a talent for crafting, drawing, and painting. She loved decorating her home for every holiday and took great joy in hosting family gatherings and reunions. Her warmth, humor, and gentle heart made her a cherished wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend.
She is survived by her children, Frank (Dolly) McKinnon, Jr., Barbara Rich, Scott (Jane) McKinnon, and Kim (Frank) Tracy; daughter-in-law, Julie Payer; grandchildren, Jamie (Kristi) McKinnon, Amanda (Cory) Ste Marie, Davis (Amber) McKinnon, Nicole (Chase) Ott, Dunovan McKinnon, Marcus (Kayla) McKinnon, Lucas (Macy) McKinnon, Valerie (Cody) Minor, and Michael Thyne; great grandchildren, Charlie May, Ethan, Logan, Lindsey, Darwin, Hudson, Cooper, Layla, Oliver, Mac and Murphy; sisters, Judith Monteiro and Sue (Bob) Frongillo; and many nieces and nephews.
She is preceded in death by her beloved husband, Frank; son, Jim McKinnon; son-in-law, Martin Thyne; grandson, Joseph; and siblings, Elizabeth (Bob) Maher, Virginia (Ray) Fyler, Davis Collins, Walter Collins, Dorthea Collins, Richard Collins, and Stephen Collins.
Visitation will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. on Thursday, October 30, 2025 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 305 Elm St. E., Rockwell where a Scriptural Wake service will begin at 7 p.m.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. Friday, October 31, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church with interment following in Sacred Heart Catholic Cemetery, Rockwell.
Hogan Bremer Moore Colonial Chapel
126 3rd St NE
Mason City, IA
ColonialChapels.com
(641)423-2372
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Hogan Bremer Moore Colonial Chapels, Crematory, & Cemetery - Mason City126 Third Street Northeast, Mason City, IA 50401
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