Barbara Ann Mindt

Barbara was born on November 3, 1943, in Plankinton, South Dakota, to Lawrence and Agnes (Knutson) Larson. She was the oldest of seven children and graduated from Lane High School in Lane, South Dakota, in 1961.

On April 4, 1964, Barbara married the love of her life, Walter “Bud” Mindt. Shortly after their marriage, they moved to Cedarburg, Wisconsin, where they began their life together and raised their family. In 1979, Barbara and Bud moved to Fond du Lac, Wisconsin, to raise their five children.

Barbara devoted much of her life to caring for others. She worked as a Nurse’s Aide at Lasata Nursing Home in Cedarburg before moving to Fond du Lac, where she worked at St. Francis Nursing Home and also provided private in-home nursing care. Caring for people was more than a profession for Barbara—it was simply who she was.

Barbara was a kind, loving, and generous person who seemed to be instantly loved by everyone she met. Family and friends were at the center of her life. She enjoyed calling people just to chat, catch up, and make sure they were doing well. She made a special effort to remember birthdays, calling just about everyone she knew to wish them a happy birthday. And if Barbara had your address, chances were good that a birthday card or another card from her would soon arrive in your mailbox.

She will be deeply missed by her husband, Walter, her five children, James (Billie Sue) Mindt, Steven (Christina) Mindt, Patricia (Rod) Luft, Thomas (Benita) Mindt, and Michelle (Scott) Bares; her seven grandchildren, Matthew (Julia) Luft, Jacob (Abigail) Luft, Casey (Makayla) Mindt, Marley Mindt, Stella Bares, Lincoln Bares, and Oliver Bares; and her two great-grandchildren, Leo and Luke Luft.

She is also survived by her siblings, Sharelle Meyer, Dianne (John) Noyes, Rosemary Maine, Richard (Jo) Larson, and Roger (Kim) Larson. She was preceded in death by her brother, Randal Larson.

Barbara leaves behind a lifetime of love and countless memories shared with the people fortunate enough to know her. Her calls, birthday wishes, cards, kindness, and genuine interest in the lives of others were her way of reminding people that they mattered. Her family and friends will carry that love with them and remember her always.

A funeral mass will be held at 10:30 am on Friday, October 9, 2026 at Mary Magdalene Catholic Church in Gilbert, Arizona. A burial service will be held in Plankinton, SD at a later date.

She will be dearly missed and forever loved.