Barbara Ann Popkin

Barbara Ann Popkin

1942-2024

Barbara Ann Popkin of Grand Rapids, MN, passed away on October 1st, 2024, at Essentia St. Mary's hospital in Duluth. She went peacefully with her son and daughter-in-law at her side.

The daughter of Helen and Robert Bolles, Barb was born on May 16, 1942, at St. Mary's Hospital in Duluth, MN. Barb graduated from Stanbrook High School in Duluth. She started her higher education at the University of Minnesota Duluth, where she met Ken Popkin in Rudy Schauer's art class, beginning their 51-year journey together. After UMD, she continued her studies at the University of Minnesota and later Iowa University where she earned her degree. In 1981, she took a sabbatical from teaching to return to UMD and earned her master's degree. Barb was a teacher at ISD 318 for 33 years until retirement. During her teaching career, she met many remarkable people, including teachers, parents, and students, some of whom became lifelong friends.

Barb was known for her timeless, stylish wardrobe. She often wore her favorite outfits Friday and Saturday evenings, socializing with friends and dancing with Ken until the band stopped playing. For years, Barb and a group of friends would walk local neighborhoods and trails and often concluded the walk at Barb's house for beverages, snacks, and laughter. During the 1970's and 1980's Barb spent a portion of each summer at the family cabin on a small lake North of Duluth, swimming and boating with Nate and Ken, making memories that would last a lifetime. Barb was the catalyst for getting the lake neighbors together for pontoon parties and gatherings at the cabin.

Barb lived in Grand Rapids for 58 years, building strong ties with the town, its businesses, and residents. She supported youth hockey, community radio, Second Harvest Food Bank, homelessness non-profits, local arts, and many other organizations. Barb often donated to MacRostie Art Center, a cause she cherished.

Starting in her childhood, Barb began developing her artistic skills and progressively honed her talent over the years. Her work encompassed multiple mediums, resulting in some exceptional pieces of art. In that spirit, the family has planned a celebration of life at the MacRostie Art Center in Grand Rapids on Saturday May 24th, from 12:00-3:00 PM. Barb's artwork will be exhibited, and selected pieces will be featured in a fundraiser to support MacRostie during the celebration of life.

Barb was preceded in death by her parents, Robert and Helen Bolles and her husband, Ken Popkin.

Barb is survived by her son, Nathan Popkin, daughter-in-law, Lisa Weiss, brother Robert Bolles, sister-in-law Diane Bolles, several cousins, and countless friends.

In lieu of memorials, please consider donating to MacRostie Art Center, https://macrostieartcenter.org/ or other causes Barb supported. KAXE https://www.kaxe.org/, Second Harvest Northland https://secondharvestnorthland.org/, and Grace House https://gracehousemn.org/