Marian Barr

Marian Jane Barr, age 98 of Marshall, MN formerly of Alexandria passed away on December 14, 2017 at Avera Morningside Heights Care Center in Marshall, MN.  A celebration of her life will be held on December 22, 2017 at 11:00 AM at First Lutheran Church, 822 Douglas Street, Alexandria, MN.  Visitation will be from 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM prior to the service.  She had been a lifelong resident of Alexandria, MN, but had recently moved to Marshall, Minnesota in October, 2017 to be closer to family.

Marian was born on November 19, 1919 in Sauk Centre, Minnesota and was the second of seven children born to Myra and Conrad Freeberg.  Marian was baptized and confirmed at the Little Sauk Lutheran Church.   Graduating from Sauk Centre High School on June 3, 1938, she moved to Alexandria, MN and worked for two years before relocating to Minneapolis, MN. Her life dream was to pursue a career in beauty culture and she attended the Francis Nystrom School of Beauty Culture and graduated in July of 1941.  After receiving her beauty license she returned to Alexandria for employment at the Powder Puff Beauty Shop.  In August of 1942 she traveled by bus to Tampa, Florida to become the bride of Ralph Barr on August 14, 1942.   During the years they lived in Florida their daughter Patricia Ann was born in 1944.   They lived in Florida until Ralph was discharged from the United States Air Force in 1946 and they returned to Alexandria, MN.  Ralph was the owner of Barr’s Cities Service Station and Marian was his bookkeeper for a number of years.  In 1952 their second daughter Gayle Elizabeth was born.

In 1958 Marian opened a beauty shop in their home and continued her business until June of 1973 when Ralph was transferred to Arden Hills, Mn for employment.   Ralph passed away on November 23, 1976 and following his death, Marian returned to Alexandria where she became employed as a beautician at Knute Nelson Care Center.

Marian’s interests and hobbies have included being an avid bridge player, painting, calligraphy, crafts, coffee parties, decorating and traveling.  Christmas was her most favorite time of the year and her fancy Christmas Cookies, Fruit Soup and “rum” soaked fruit cake will be memories she imparted to her family.    Marian had a flair for style and was a most “classy” little lady!  She delighted in her five grandchildren and ten great grandchildren.  Her family was forever grateful for her always being a part of every “special event” that occurred in their lives.   Marian loved a party and making any event special.

Marian was a member of First Lutheran Church since 1946 and was active in “Ladies Aid”, bible studies and served for several years on the library board.

Marian is survived by; her children, Patty (Bob) Cole and Gayle Zender;  grandchildren: Brian (Deb) Cole, Carmen (Jay) Meier, Allen (Britney) Cole, Kristi Cole and Juli (Luke) Struck; Great Grandchildren, Luke, Greta & Ella Cole, Lleyton Meier, Madeline, Eloise and Conrad Cole and Benjamin Fern, Chase and Brady Struck; sisters Vera Peterson and Floy Meier and brother Ray Freeberg and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband Ralph, parents, brother, Arthur and sisters: Myrtle and Elda.

Arrangements are handled by Anderson Funeral Home, Alexandria, MN. www.AndersonFuneral.net.