Barbara Verschoor

Barbara Verschoor

July 4, 1942 - June 24, 2024

Barbara "Barb" Ann Verschoor passed away peacefully on June 24, 2024, at Heritage Memory Care Cottages in Park Rapids, Minnesota. Barb was born on July 4, 1942, in Sioux City, Iowa to Donald Louis Verschoor Sr. and Kathyn Agnes (Dunn) Verschoor. Barb was the glue for many in her family and was fiercely independent, which was perhaps a result of her being a July 4th Independence baby.

Barb is the first of her siblings to pass away, leaving behind three sisters-Patricia Besett, Gloria Brincks, Debora Plumley and one brother-Donald Verschoor Jr.. She will be deeply missed by her lifetime friend and partner for over 50 years, Hope Benton, as well as many nieces and nephews, who she deeply loved. And as we know her beloved schnauzer, Buddy, will miss her terribly. They were inseparable, except when Buddy would escape-run like the dickens and then look back over his shoulder at Barb with a 'catch me if you can' look in his eyes!

Barb worked her entire adult life in health care. She first trained as a surgical technician and attended St. Vincent's School of Radiology in Sioux City. She worked many years as a radiological technician and finished her career as a pharmacy technician in 2007. Barb was a gracious, generous person who was grateful and caring, often putting the needs of others before her own. She could often be heard using a phrase our dad used, thanks a million. She had a great sense of humor; it was quirky with a wee bit of sarcasm. Her humor stayed with her even when Alzheimer's took so many things. Barb loved the outdoors and took great pride in keeping she and Hope's yard looking immaculate, because 'if a job is worth doing, it's worth doing well'. This mantra was evident in Barb's worth ethic as well as how she lived her life and loved her people. Barb had a simple, deep faith in God and as a practicing Catholic. A simple motto guided her "God loves you and so do I".

Our family would like to thank the staff at Heritage Memory Care-thank you for your loving care and becoming like family to Barb. And to, CHI St. Joseph's Hospice, thank you for your compassion for Barb and your support and care for our family. Living with dementia is heartbreaking and was particularly hard for Barb as she was such a can do person. If you wish to honor Barb; she would have encouraged you to donate to the Alzheimer's Association (www.alz.org). The family will hold a private service to celebrate / remember Barb at a later date.