Barbara Duchene

Barbara J. Duchene, age 84 of Faribault, MN passed away on Thursday, April 1, 2021 at her home following an extended illness.

Barbara Jean, the daughter of George and H. Beldora (Skaar) Mullenberg was born on August 17, 1936 in Faribault.  She attended Bethlehem Academy High School and graduated with the class of 1954.  On January 12, 1957 she was united in marriage to Walter H. Duchene at St. Lawrence Catholic Church.  Wally preceded her in death on Sept. 1, 2012.  Mom worked at the MaidRite, Woolen Mills, and was one of the first carhops hired for the Lavender Inn in 1960.  She was also employed by NSP and then Voegel's Creamery in the office while we were growing up until we all graduated from BA.  Mom used shorthand in her office work.  Later Barb attended Faribault VoTech and received her LPN degree.  She worked for over 22 years for the State of Minnesota at the Faribault Regional Center and later with the different group homes in the area.  In retirement she volunteered at the front desk at the Divine Mercy Catholic Church office.  She was an active volunteer and also enjoyed her weekly hour at the Adoration Chapel.  She loved spending time with all of her family and also enjoyed baking, crocheting, cross stitch, downhill skiing, cross country skiing and was an avid sports fan and liked to watch the Twins and Vikings.  She was a member of the Knights of Columbus Ladies Auxiliary.

She is survived by her children, Wendy (Ken) Susen and their children, Carly (Jim) Anderson and Ken W. Susen, Rory Duchene and his children, Laramy, Chloe and Monet Duchene, Mark (Theresa) Duchene and their children, Ethan Duchene (Erin Maher), Aletha Duchene, Clair Duchene (Ben Johnson) and Quinn Duchene (Troy Nibbe) and Vicki (Myles “Skip”) McDowell and their children, Myles and Desiree McDowell and Apryl (Omari) Grey; by 15 great grandchildren; by her siblings, Judy (Rich) Wunderlich, Georgia (Howard) Quamme, Janelle (Ken) Zitzmann, Mary Jo Tostrude and Jane (Les) Jante; by In-laws, Betty Mullenberg, Harry Chappuis, Jerry (Kay) Duchene and Linda Giles and by nieces, nephews and other relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 54 years, Walter H. Duchene, by her parents, George and Bel Mullenberg, In-laws, Florent and Dorothy Duchene, sister, Gretchen Chappuis, brother, George “Jerry” Mullenberg, brother-in-law, C. Ordean Tostrude and infant siblings (twins and Timothy).

Barb was able to be in the comfort of her home during her illness and the family would like to thank all of the many family members that assisted so she could be there until her passing.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, April 9, 2021 at 10:30 a.m. at the Divine Mercy Catholic Church with Fr. Cory Rohlfing officiating.  Interment will be held at St. Lawrence Cemetery, Faribault.  For those unable to attend, the service will be livestreamed through a link found on Barb’s obituary page.

Visitation will be held at the church on Friday from 9:00 to 10:30 a.m.

The family prefers that memorials be directed to Bethlehem Academy High School or Divine Mercy Catholic Church in memory of Barb.

Arrangements are being completed by the Parker Kohl Funeral Home & Crematory of Faribault.