Margaret R. Johnson Barr

Margaret Ruth Johnson Barr was born to Beatrice and Harry Kreis on Oct. 15, 1932 in Alhambra, California. She joined brother Harry and her parents at their homestead on the Great Plains of Sidney, Montana. Their childhood experiences were the source of many entertaining stories Margaret enjoyed regaling to her grand and great-grandkids. She had a pet pony courtesy of her favorite Uncle and was disappointed when she wasn't allowed to bring it home. Or the time her big brother walked to the candy store with his little sister in tow, creating panic until their parents discovered them strolling hand in hand down the dirt road, seemingly without a care in the world.
Margaret's inherent gift for creativity was fostered during her formative years. She became an accomplished musician, whether on first clarinet in the high school band or piano and organ, which she played throughout her lifetime.
After her high school graduation, she boarded a train from Sidney to St. Paul to attend Macalester College, then transferring to Hamline University. This is where she would meet her beloved husband Dave, who was a student at the University of Minnesota. She would recall their meeting at a school dance, when he strolled across the dance floor to ask her for a dance. They were inseparable from that moment on.
In June of 1952, they married and later settled in Cambridge where Dave opened his law practice. They purchased Springvale Campground and First State Bank of Isanti. They became fixtures in the Cambridge/Isanti area. Margaret was a community leader and volunteer, supporting her husband and children in their endeavors as well as advocating for causes she believed would benefit others in the community. She helped launch Family Pathways (formerly The Refuge) and supported the organization as it continued to transform lives.
Margaret and Dave were faithful members of Cambridge Lutheran Church where she advocated for Dial-a-Devotion, a recorded pastoral message giving hope and encouragement to those who called in.
They enjoyed wintering in Fountain Hills and Rio Verde, Arizona to escape the bitter Minnesota winters until Dave's passing in 1995. She remarried husband Richard in 2000 and they continued the Arizona tradition.
Margaret was an accomplished painter, creating Christmas ornaments for each of her 9 grandchildren every year in her workshop on Paul's Lake. When she moved to Havenwood of Maple Grove in November of 2022, she continued to hone her craft in weekly art classes and beamed when visitors praised her work.
She relished moments spent with family and friends, enjoyed the simple pleasures of a hot cup of coffee (Folgers, black), regular hair and nail appointments, hand and neck massages, a good steak, and a chilled glass of chardonnay.
Margaret's faith never faltered as she believed the promises etched on her heart would come to fruition once her earthly journey was through. Her compassion, grace, generosity, and loving kindness were known by all and part of her lasting legacy.
Margaret passed away on Saturday, Oct. 4 at 5:23 a.m. with family by her side.
She was proceeded in death by her parents, brother Harry, husband Dave and son David C. Johnson II, and second husband Richard. She is survived by her children Kevin (Heidi) of Blaine, Steve of Bloomington, daughter Debbie (Bob) of Santa Fe, daughter-in-law Nancy, grandchildren T. Ryan (Shannon), Emily (Tyler), and Matt, Lisa (Doug), Nathan (Bre), Lana (Nick), Tom (Sara), Angela (Chad), Margaret (Kyle), 23 great grandchildren, and a host of family and dear friends.
Sincere thanks to the staff at Havenwood of Maple Grove, Brighton Hospice, Pastor Kellan, Carlson Lillemoen Funeral Home, and friends near and far who loved and supported her during her lifetime.
"But they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint." Isaiah 40:31
A Celebration of Margaret's life will be held on Saturday, Nov. 15 at 11 a.m. at Cambridge Lutheran Church with visitation one hour before the service. Please join us while we honor a life well lived!
Private Graveside Service at Oak Knoll Cemetery in Princeton.
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