Barbara J. Haeska, 80, passed away Tuesday, Jan. 31, 2017, at her home in Garrison due to cancer and kidney complications. Her body will be donated to the University of Minnesota science department. There will be a private gathering to spread her ashes at a later date. A gathering of family and friends will be from 2 to 4 p.m. Saturday at United Methodist Church in Albert Lea.

Barb was born March 9, 1936, in Albert Lea, the daughter of Lyle and Mildred Misgen. She grew up and graduated from Albert Lea High School. On June 12, 1954, she was united in marriage to John “Jack” Haeska.

Barb is survived by her three children, Mary (Wade) Wendelboe of Albert Lea, Mike Haeska of Garrison and Mark (Barb A.) Haeska of Albert Lea; grandchildren Alec Wendelboe of Albert Lea, Adam Haeska of Albert Lea and Jenny (Micah) Hrdalo of Albert Lea; great-grandchilden Mason and Charley Hrdalo of Albert Lea; and brother-in-law, Charles (Bernetta) Haeska, of Lake City.

She was preceded in death by her parents; grandparents; and husband, Jack.

Barb worked at St. Paul Clothier’s, Herberger’s, Wallace’s and as a home health care aide in Freeborn and Crow Wing counties for over 20 years. During the last 25 years she lived in Garrison, where she and Jack had a lake home.

Barb’s greatest joy were her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren; and living at her home on Borden Lake. She enjoyed crossword puzzles, her weekly visit to the casino, reading her romance books, her pets and feeding deer; and she loved having family and friends visit her at her home on the lake and the summers that her grandson, Alec, spent with her.

Barb enjoyed her job working as a home health aide. She loved to help, visit and spend time with them. She made many friends over the years with the people she helped in her job and met many new friends while living up north. She will be sadly missed by those who knew her.