Barbara Jean Benke, 76, of rural Newfolden, MN, passed away in her home on Saturday, February 5, 2022 surrounded by family.

Funeral services will be at 2 PM Saturday, February 12, 2022, at Westaker Free Lutheran Church, Newfolden, MN.

Visitation will be one hour before the service.

Burial will be at Oak Grove Cemetery, Newfolden, MN.

On March 12, 1945, Barbara was born to Bella Garfve in St. Paul, MN. As a child, she was baptized in the Lutheran Faith by Pastor Myhrer and later confirmed in the Evangelical Free Church in Newfolden, MN. In 1963, Barbara graduated from the Newfolden High School.

In 1964, Barbara was united in marriage to Willis Skadsem. To this union were born four children: Lu Jean, Lorna, La Vern, and Lonnie. In 1981, she began dating Ronald "Ronnie" Benke. They were married in November of 1996 in Thief River Falls, MN. Barbara and Ronnie made their home on a farm in rural Newfolden.

Over the years, Barbara worked at various jobs. She worked as a Certified Nursing Aid at Oakland Park Nursing Home, Thief River Falls, and Northwest Medical Center in the CNC unit. Barbara worked at Tri-Valley Opportunity Council, helping with heating applications, and during the harvest months, she worked in the potato fields and drove a truck. For a time, she and Ronnie carpooled to Marvin Windows in Warroad, MN. As a "farm wife," Barbara helped with chores, drove the combine and tractors, and kept up with the household duties.

Barbara loved to paint, knit, needlework on dish towels, make baby quilts and read books. Cooking, canning, and baking for family and friends was a joy to her. The Christmas season was her favorite time, especially giving gifts to those she loved. In 2015, Barbara fell and broke her hip. This slowed down her ability to continue with some of her hobbies. Spending time with her beloved husband, Ronnie, children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren was her greatest joy.

Barbara is survived by: husband, Ronald "Ronnie" Benke, Newfolden, MN, children: Lu Jean Newell (Mark Worshek), Fosston, MN; Lorna Cantrall (Duane  Jonasson), Edinburg, ND; Lonnie Skadsem (Brooke Stringer), Erskine, MN; grandchildren: Nick Maurstad, Jay (Kris) Maurstad, Kaitlyn Maurstad, Andrea (Nick) Jorstad, Evan Maki, Hallie Skadsem, Hunter Skadsem, Ashley Skadsem, Keira Skadsem, Garrett Stringer; great-grandchildren: Maverick Soltvedt, Ellie Seals, Sonny Maurstad, Kaycee Jorstad, Karlee Jorstad, Kian Jorstad, Kade Jorstad, Arlo Maki; sister-in-law, Joan Garfve, and brother-in-law, Raymond Benke, and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her son, La Vern Skadsem, mother, Bella Garfve, siblings, Phylis, Mabel, Helen, Maynard, Harlen, Ruby, Rose, Sandra, and sister-in-law, Beatie; mother-in-law, Tony Benke, sister-in-law, Carol Benke and brother-in-law, Leonard Benke.