Barbara Jean Richtsmeier

1939 - 2023

Barbara Jean Richtsmeier

Richtsmeier, Barbara Jean, left on her own terms for a long-awaited two-step in heaven with her favorite dance partner on April 19th, 2023. She peacefully departed this world while holding her daughter's hand.

Born March 10, 1939, in Duluth, MN to George Sr. and Ardice Mehling. Barb grew up on the family farm in Twig, MN, learning alongside her sister, Berta, and brothers, George Jr., and Gordon. Growing up in the embrace of nature, instilled in Barb a deep appreciation for simplicity, hard work, and the value of family. As a proud member of Proctor High School's class of 1957, Barb cheered on her beloved Rails with unwavering spirit. Go Rails!! Her love for music was apparent through her dedication to marching and playing her trumpet with Mr. Moody's Marchers (with fellow HS classmates), a passion she pursued well into her 70s, bringing fond memories to those who loved her; Barb was truly joyful while marching in a parade!

Marriage to Don Berg in 1958, began a beautiful family with daughters, Deb and Terri, and sons, Peter, and Don. Barb resided in Babbitt, MN for most of her life (60 years) and was an active member of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Babbitt, teaching Sunday school, singing in the choir and directing the Junior choir. After her youngest entered school, Barb began her career with AVON by selling AVON products as her mother had done before her. Barb was a loving mother, guiding her children by example. She hosted birthday parties, skating parties and attended EVERY event in each child's life! Barb loved picking wild berries, canning jams & jellies, and baking. Fresh baked goods followed her everywhere; her cinnamon rolls and bread (buns) became famous! Barb and Don eventually parted ways, both finding love again.

Barb married Ray Richtsmeier in 1982 and welcomed 3 stepchildren (Steve, Carol, and Dave) and their families into her heart forever. It was through Ray's encouragement that Barb found confidence to apply for the position of District Manager of the AVON Rocket Division in Northern MN. She excelled at this new position, putting on countless miles to recruit and run sales meetings! She earned many top sales awards, including AVON'S BEST OF THE BEST as #1 in Sales Volume. Also through Ray, Barb began years of dedicated, patriotic service to the VFW Ladies Auxiliary. Her involvement in the organization led her to hold multiple leadership roles, including that of 8th District President. She played TAPS (trumpet duet) at the burials of local veterans and was chairperson of the Voice of Democracy program with high school students for almost 30 years. Barb's commitment to the VFW Ladies Auxiliary showcased her unwavering support for veterans and her dedication to making a difference in her community. Barb and Ray were separated by Ray's unexpected death in1991.

Barb found love for a third time in Ervin Richtsmeier; they were married in CO at the Garden of the Gods, at the foot of the Three Graces. Barb gained 2 more stepchildren (Susan and Jack) and their families. A new life began filled with annual Thanksgiving trips to AZ (Susan and family), road trips to Denver, CO (Jack and family), hot tub parties, and learning to golf and downhill ski. A cabin in the mountains of Breckenridge, CO (Erv helped build) became a favorite ski destination, along with frequent trips to Giants Ridge, where Erv was a ski instructor. Family and friends knew that free ski lessons were included in these adventures! At the age of 60, Barb began training for her first of THREE 3-Day Breast Cancer walks (60 miles each) and Erv was her constant cheerleader as she walked up to 10 miles a day! Barb walked the 3-Day in 2000, not knowing she had stage 3 breast cancer. Following chemotherapy and radiation, Barb was joined by daughter Deb in 2002 for 3-Day #2, this time walking as a survivor! Barb suffered the unexpected death of Erv on Thanksgiving Day (at Susan's) in 2008. With incredible resilience and strength (at the age of 70), Barb joined Deb in 2009 in her final 3-Day (#3), both walking as breast cancer survivors!

As she walked EVERY step of EACH 60-mile walk, Barb noticed several walkers boarding a bus without finishing the daily miles. With blisters on both feet, her reaction was typical of her fiercely determined spirit. "I don't understand why they signed up to do this if they weren't going to finish!"

Family time was cherished by Barb, and she delighted in creating joyful memories for her children and grandchildren. Patio parties, scavenger hunts, and camping adventures at Fisherman's Point brought smiles and laughter to all. Barb was a constant presence at her kids' and grandkids' sporting events, band concerts, and plays, attending each with immense pride and love. She loved playing Cribbage, Dominoes and 3-13 (favorite of the young ones). Barb was passionate about driving and took frequent road trips, covering all the lower 48! Iowa was a particular favorite, as the home of the annual "Richtsmeier Reunion" where Barb hosted the games and of course brought AVON prizes! She also cherished visits to Kauai, Jamaica, Bahamas, and many cruises. Her adventurous spirit led her into a hot air balloon in AZ at the age of 78!

Barb's warm hospitality and energy for life extended to every gathering she hosted. Her genuine love for entertainment was evident as she created an inclusive atmosphere where everyone felt like family. In her dining room addition (built by her son, Don) Barb took pride in setting an elegant table with cloth napkins, silver utensils, place cards, and tapered candles, matching the table linens. Before any meal, Grace was said while holding hands around the table and concluded with a big "SQUEEZE"! Every grandchild and great-grandchild had the opportunity to wield the coveted candle "snuffer" at the end of the meal. Barb touched the lives of those around her, creating lasting connections and memories; most are recorded in time by the MANY pictures taken and the beautiful scrapbooks created and treasured by those who love her.

As we bid farewell to Barb, let us remember her infectious laughter, her passion for service, and her unwavering love for family and friends. May her memory be forever in our hearts, reminding us to embrace life's joys, face challenges head-on, and always extend a hand of kindness to those around us. Rest in peace, dear Barb, and may your spirit continue to shine brightly in the lives of those you touched.

Preceded in death by her 2 brothers, 2 husbands and the father of her children, 3 sisters-in-law, and 2 stepsons and 1 son-in-law. Survived by her sister, 4 brothers-in-law, 4 children and their spouses, 3 stepchildren and their spouses, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and an extended family that includes anyone who shared a meal at her table and became family forever.

Barb's family wants to thank the wonderful staff of Prelude Homes Compassion Cottage, who wrapped her in love during the last year of her life. Memorials preferred in Barb's honor to Breast Cancer or Dementia Research.

A Celebration of Barb's Life will be held on July 2nd, 2023 (2-5 PM) at the Wood Lake Nature Center (Fireplace Room) in Richfield, MN. Inurnment will take place in Babbitt at a later undetermined date.