Barb passed away due to complications of pneumonia on Sunday evening, May 1, 2022, surrounded by her family at the Mayo Clinic Health System ICU in Austin, Minn. Lakeview Funeral Home in Fairmont is assisting the family with the arrangements.

Barbara Ann Scheef was born March 20, 1935, on her parent’s farm in East Chain Township, Martin County, Minn., to Henry and Irene (Madsen) Johnson. Barb attended East Chain High School. She graduated with the class of 1953 as valedictorian, and she was a cheerleader in high school. In 1954, she was united in marriage to her high school sweetheart, Kenneth Lee Scheef, at the East Chain Lutheran Church. They made their home in Fairmont and were members of Grace Lutheran Church. Barbara worked at Fisher’s Clothing Store as a bookkeeper. The couple was blessed with four daughters, Kathy, Kris, Liz and Jenny. Barb’s daughters were blessed to have a stay-at-home mom growing up. For many years, Barb taught Sunday School, was a member of Anna’s Circle, and served on the funeral committee at Grace Lutheran Church. She was a member of the Fairmont Community Hospital Auxiliary for 30 years where she volunteered. Barb later did bookkeeping for Lakeshore Apartments which she and Ken owned for over 40 years. Barb and Ken shared 66 years of marriage before Ken passed away on Dec. 21, 2020. Barb always had a beautiful smile that was infectious. She had a warm heart and kind soul and was a great “listener.” Barb loved spending time with her grandkids and great-grandkids. Sending cards, notes, and writing letters to family and friends were a big part of her daily routine. Barb enjoyed collecting cookbooks and trying new recipes. She loved changing decorations in her home for every season and holiday. She enjoyed listening to music, especially piano music and reading books. Barb and Ken loved to dance and danced every chance they got. Barb and Ken enjoyed vacations to Germany, Hawaii, Jamaica, Acapulco, and annual family trips. They spent many summer vacations fishing on Leech Lake and occasionally had the entire family join them. In 1970, they purchased a lake lot on Hall Lake and have enjoyed family lake time. Over the years, Barb and Ken were members of the Fairmont Jaycees and the Chain of Lakes Yacht Club. Those left to cherish her memory include daughters, Kathy (Jim) Harley of Fairmont, Kris (Hoot) Armstrong of Truman, Liz (Brad) Hartke of Fairmont, and Jenny (Dr. Mike) Puumala of Sioux Falls, S.D.; grandchildren and great-grandchildren, Emily (Bob) Bohlke and children, Reed, Ruby and Rexton of Mankato; Daniel (Renee) Harley and son, Elias of Windom; Jacob (Sierra) Hartke and daughter, Haevyn of Fairmont, plus another great grandchild due in June; David, Tyler, Kevin and Laura Hartke all of Fairmont; Eric and Daniel Puumala of Sioux Falls, S.D.; sister, Ardyce Nelson of St. Paul; and brother, Clayton (Carol) Johnson of Milltown, Wis.; sisters-in-law, Lois Kesler of Fairmont, and Cheryl (Richard) Townsend of Aurora, Ore.; as well as many nieces, nephews, extended family and special family friends, Kathy and Jarrod Vagle. Barb was preceded in death by her husband, Ken Scheef; her parents, Henry and Irene Johnson; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Louis and Edna Scheef; sisters and brothers-in-law, Lucille and Mylo Hagberg, and Connie and Norman Jensen; brothers-in-law, Dewey Nelson, Allen (Jane) Scheef, and Ray Kesler. The family requests memorials be left in Barb’s name to Lakeside Cemetery in Fairmont, Grace Lutheran Church in Fairmont, or to the charity of the donor’s choice. www.lakeviewfuneralhome.net

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