Barbara J. Klauer, formerly of Rochester, Minnesota, passed away on November 30, 2025, at the age of 81. She lived a full and varied life, marked by dedication to her family, her community, and her passions. A celebration of life will be held in Rochester, MN at a later date. Cremation services are being handled by Gibson-Bode Funeral Home in Erie, IL.
Born in Akron, Ohio, on April 4, 1944, Barbara's life journey took her through various roles. She worked at First Federal Savings, IBM, and JC Penny. Moreover, she successfully ran her own Cookies By Design franchise for six years. This entrepreneurial spirit reflects her drive and ambition.
Beyond her professional endeavors, Barbara was deeply committed to serving others. She found great pride and fulfillment as a sign language interpreter. She worked with multiple school districts, including Rochester, Elgin, and Dodge Center. Sign language is a valuable tool for communication. It helps people with hearing loss engage in conversation. You can learn more about it on sites like Wikipedia.
In addition to her professional and community involvement, Barbara had a wide array of hobbies. She enjoyed sewing, crafting, decorating, and cooking. Furthermore, she and her husband, Dean, shared a love for camping and music. They often volunteered at care centers, bringing joy to residents through song. Her love for animals was also apparent, fostering cats and helping them find loving homes.
Barbara Klauer's life serves as an inspiration. She embraced creativity, service, and love. Her memory will live on through her daughters, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Memorial donations can be made to the Marshmallow Animal Shelter in Detroit Lakes, MN. What are your favorite memories of loved ones who dedicated their lives to helping others? Please share your thoughts in the comments below.