Barbara Meinert

Barbara Jean Meinert, age 84, Perham, MN died Sunday, August 22, 2021 in Perham Living. She was born at her maternal grandparents' farm, Wyoming, IA, the cherished red-haired daughter of Fred and Florence Luke.

She graduated from Wyoming Schools in 1955. Barbara furthered her education in Iowa City and Dubuque. She worked in Cedar Rapids where she met and married her true love, James Meinert, of Keystone, IA. Barbara died three days before their 59th wedding anniversary.

Jim and Barbara lived in Sioux City, IA where they made lifelong friends. They owned and operated a Dairy Queen in Ottumwa, IA before buying Rush Lake Resort in Ottertail, MN. After retiring they moved into Perham.

Barbara was a member of Calvary Lutheran Church. She was a prolific letter-writer and made her own cards to send using her amazing and perfect handwriting. She enjoyed televised college football and basketball. She preferred polka, country, Elvis and gospel music, movies, and popcorn, but she especially loved being with friends and family. Barbara was an entertaining storyteller and loved nothing more than to hear people laugh. We will miss her throaty laugh, her exuberant personality, and her delicious special brownies.

Barbara is survived by her adoring husband, Jim; sister, Judy (Jerry) Hangartner, Perham; sister-in-law, Marcine Luke, Marion, IA; brother-in-law, Tom (Jody) Meinert, Lone Tree, CO; many wonderful nieces and nephews; countless cousins and dear friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her sister, Beverly Griswold; her brother, Douglas Luke; her brother-in-law, Jan Griswold; her in-laws, Dallas and Madelon Meinert; as well as her adored dog, Luke.

Her ashes will be buried in Keystone, IA at a later date. "Enjoy each day, for that day is your life." Author unknown. God bless Barbara.

Schoeneberger Funeral & Cremation Service, Perham, MN (218) 346-5175 www.schoenebergerfh.com