Barbara Grater

Barbara Grater, 86, passed away peacefully at her home in Baxter on February 16, 2024. A Funeral Service will be held on Friday February 23, 2024, at 11:00am at St. Francis Catholic Church in Brainerd. A visitation will begin at 9:30am at the church. A light lunch will follow the service. Burial will be at Evergreen Memorial Gardens in Brainerd. 

Barb was born to Frank and Viola (Christiansen) Pikula on August 7, 1937, in Brainerd. 

She was a homemaker for many years before returning to work as an administrative secretary at the Franklin Jr. High School in Brainerd. She enjoyed reading, sewing, and quilting. She was a talented seamstress, making many different pieces of clothing. She volunteered at Northern Lakes Senior Living, working with other ladies to decorate for the holidays and other special events. Barb loved spending time outdoors and caring for her flower gardens. She enjoyed watching different sporting events, especially when her family was playing in the game. Her favorites were baseball and the Minnesota Vikings. If there was an opportunity to travel, Barbara was the first in line. Above all, Barb’s faith was a huge part of her life. She attended daily Mass and prayer group. 

Barbara is survived by her son Mark (Pam) Grater of Spokane Valley, WA, her daughter Desiree (Dewey) Blank of Ankeny, IA, and sons Brian (Brenda) Grater of Little Falls, MN, Todd (Mary) Grater of Brainerd, MN, and Scott Grater of Brainerd, her grandchildren Ashley, Samantha, Erin, Brennan, Serena, Kenna, Krista, Katelyn, Blaine, Joshua, Justin and Brittany, six great grandchildren, her sister Paulette Sandafer of Chattanooga, TN, her brother Leslie Pikula of Brainerd, MN, her sister-in-law Dawn Pikula and numerous nieces and nephews. 

She is preceded in death by her parents Frank and Viola Pikula, her husband Eldon, her brothers Bernard and Jeff Pikula, and her son Brett Grater. 

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to a memorial.

Arrangements are entrusted to Brenny Family Funeral Chapel, Baxter.