Barbara Jean (Kubicek) Peterson

Barbara Jean Kubicek Peterson age 86 of Mankato Minnesota died on November 26th at New Perspectives Senior Living Center in Mankato.  A private funeral will be held at St Joseph the Worker Catholic Church with burial at Woodland Hills Cemetery.

Barbara was born Sept 27th, 1938 at home in Blooming Prairie Minnesota to Bernard and Viola (Kramer) Kubicek.

She graduated from Blooming Prairie High School in 1956.  In 1959 she received her bachelor of science degree in Elementary Education from Mankato State University and in 1977 she received her graduate accreditation in Media and Library Science from Mankato State University.

Barbara was united in marriage to Eldon Peterson on June 24, 1961 at St Columbanus Catholic Church in Blooming Prairie MN.  They made their home in Fairmont MN prior to moving to Mankato in 1963.  Barbara had been employed as an elementary teacher in Blue Earth MN prior to employment at St Joseph the Worker elementary school in Mankato.

Barb was known for her patience, kindness, her love of music and the arts, her commitment to helping others, and her ability to make her family and friends feel loved. She deeply cherished time spent with her family. One of her greatest joys was spending time at the family cabin in Grand Marais MN where she could spend time outdoors, enjoy the beauty of nature, the hunt for a perfect heart rock, and the company of loved ones in peaceful surroundings.

Barb is survived by her sons Steven (Chris), Michael (Beth), Patrick (Lisa), grandchildren Rachel, Alec, Charlie, Emily, and Maria, her sister Susan, nephew Brian (Randa), niece Tyra (Larry), and many dear friends. She was preceded in death by her husband of 63 years Eldon, her parents and her brother Bernard.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Alzheimer’s Association of MN in Barb’s memory.