Barbara Geurtz

Barbara Geurtz, 88, of Raymond, died Sunday, January 25th at Clara City Care Center. Her Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11:00 am, Friday, February 6th at Harvey Anderson Funeral Home in Willmar. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service. Burial will be at a later date at Fairview Cemetery in Raymond. www.hafh.org

Barbara Jean Josephine Geurtz was born on the family farm near Clara City to Raymond and Helen (Dondelinger) Westendorp. She attended country school for her elementary education and graduated from Clara City High School in 1954.

Barbara was baptized and confirmed at St. Clara's Catholic Church in Clara City. A devout Catholic throughout her life, she later became a faithful member of St. Mary's Catholic Church in Willmar.

On August 31, 1957, Barbara was united in marriage to Theodore Geurtz, at St. Clara's Catholic Church. The couple made their home in Raymond, where they raised their six children and built a life centered on family, faith, and hard work.

Barbara began her career as a Certified Nursing Assistant at Rice Memorial Hospital, where she dedicated 35 years of service. She truly loved caring for patients and took great pride in her work, offering compassion and kindness to everyone she met.

In her free time, Barbara enjoyed reading, golfing, and visiting people. She especially cherished time with her grandchildren, faithfully attending their activities and making each of their birthdays special with outings and one-on-one time. Barbara and Theodore also loved taking their children camping when they were young, creating many treasured family memories.

Barbara will be remembered for her strong faith, caring heart, and deep love for her family.

Barbara is survived by her children: Diane Olson, Scott Geurtz, Rodney (Terri) Geurtz, Robert (Jeanine) Geurtz, Steven (Sheila) Geurtz and Jerry (Amy) Geurtz; grandchildren: Jeremiah, Steven, Tami, Kyle, Erica, Christina, Jessi, Bobby, Lydia, Ashley, Vanessa, Traci, and Jordan; 26 great-grandchildren; and brother-in-law: John Geurtz.

She was preceded in death by her husband, parents, and sisters, Diane Westendorp and Joan Geurtz; son-in-law, Dennis Olson; and daughter-in-law, Elaine Geurtz.