Barbara Towne Ducat

Barbara Towne Ducat passed away on the morning of May 28, 2025, in the home where she lovingly raised her children in Minneapolis, Minnesota. She was a beloved wife, mother, sister, aunt, and friend to countless people worldwide. Her life was one of immense accomplishment marked by academic and professional excellence, a deep curiosity about the world, and care for all the communities that were a part of her life.
A funeral service will be held on Saturday, June 21 at 11:00 a.m. at Central Lutheran Church in Minneapolis. Visitation will begin at 10:00 a.m., and a gathering with refreshments will follow the service.
Barb was born on December 5, 1960, in Harlan, Iowa, as the youngest of four to Max and Jean Towne and was raised in Kimballton and Elk Horn. From a young age, she was determined to explore beyond her small hometown, see the world, and build a life on her own terms. She graduated valedictorian from Elk Horn High School and went on to earn her Bachelor of Business degree in Accounting from Iowa State University. In 2004, she earned her MBA from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business while balancing a demanding career and family life.
After graduating from Iowa State, Barb began her career at Cargill, where she spent over 13 years in global roles. Her work took her around the world, enabling her to build a highly successful career and develop a lifelong passion for travel. She spent months at a time working abroad in places like Thailand and Australia, fostering unique experiences that included being caught in a military coup in Thailand and conducting undercover investigations during the Croatian War while based in Hong Kong. Barb ultimately traveled to 39 countries across six continents and visited all 50 U.S. states.
Following her time at Cargill, Barb held senior and executive roles at many companies, including Associated British Foods, Tyco, SuperValu, HomeRiver Group, Twin City Fan, Classic Collision, and others. She was a visionary senior leader whose career had a lasting impact on every organization she touched, distinguished by her commitment to people and culture, ability to build high-performing teams, championing of diversity, and her earning of top leadership recognition and awards. In 2021, at the recommendation of lifelong friend and former colleague Bev Franklin, Barb joined the board of directors at Sabathani Community Center in South Minneapolis, serving as chair of the finance committee. Her dedication to others was unwavering, whether on a global stage or in her local community.
Barb retired in 2022, looking forward to a time filled with travel, family, and giving back. However, in January 2024, her plans were upended when she was diagnosed with ALS, the same disease that had taken her brother, Steve, in 2017. The disease progressed rapidly, stripping away the independence that had defined her. She eventually lost the ability to walk, use her hands, speak, and eat. Yet she faced each stage with the same strength, dignity, and determination she had shown throughout her life. Despite her immense pain, Barb devoted her final chapter to raising awareness and funds for ALS research. Her goal was to ensure that the next generation of her family, her friends, and society would not suffer from this devastating disease.
As part of her legacy, Barb established a 10-year scholarship program in her hometown of Elk Horn, Iowa, to provide high school students with the opportunity to pursue the kind of meaningful work and adventure that she herself embodied. Her influence also inspired the creation of the Barb Towne Ducat ALS Legacy of Care Program, founded by her care team leader, Patti O'Connor of Elevare. The initiative partners with students in healthcare fields to provide hands-on care for individuals living with ALS, combining education, compassion, and advocacy in honor of Barb.
Barb will be remembered not only for her accomplishments and travel but for the strength and grace she brought to every challenge. Her wisdom, generosity, and courage will live on in the lives she touched and the legacy she leaves behind.
She is survived by her husband, Michael, with whom she had just celebrated their 30th wedding anniversary, and their children, Samuel and Grace. She is also survived by her brother Bruce, wife Terry, and his children Megan, Greg, Kirstin, and Maria, and their mother Laurie; her sister Carol and her children David, Mark, and Janet; the children of her late brother Steve, Jeff and Andrea; and many other nieces, nephews, brothers- and sisters-in-law, and friends who became like family.
In lieu of flowers, we kindly ask that you honor Barb by supporting her final mission and donating to her ALS fundraising page: https://secure2.convio.net/alsa/site/TR/DIY/NationalOffice?px=9236326&pg=personal&fr_id=16211