Barbara Schenck Obituary

Barbara K. Schenck, 73 of Loon Lake near Vergas, MN, passed away Wednesday, February 26, 2025 at Ecumen - The Cottages in Detroit Lakes, MN, under care of Hospice of the Red River Valley. 

Barb was born on December 14, 1951, in Pipestone, MN, to Robert and Arline (Thompson) Westover. She was the 4th eldest of twelve children. She attended Egan High School graduating in 1970. After graduation she went on to marry Jim Schenck March 10th, 1973, in Egan, SD.

Jim and Barb began their life together on a farm outside of Barnesville, MN, where they built a home and raised their son, Clayton, and daughter, Elizabeth.

Barb found immense fulfillment in her role as a mother, nurturing and guiding her children with boundless love and support. She cherished the time spent with her family, orchestrating delightful outings to Bucks Mills and Sand Lake beach, always providing her loved ones with memories to treasure forever. Her involvement extended into their schooling, where her hands-on approach brought joy through coaching t-ball, crafting birthday cakes, and creating imaginative costumes for Halloween, all of which showcased her creativity and love for her children.

Barb was a gifted artist, finding joy in flower arranging, dried flower masterpieces, painting, crafting, gardening, and upholstery work. Her creative spirit was matched only by her dedication to hard work and to her family. For many years, Barb devoted her time and energy to Thompson Greenery in Barnesville, MN, where her joy of working in a greenhouse allowed her to forge lasting friendships and share her passion for flowers with others. Later, in partnership with her husband, Jim, they embarked on a new chapter of their lives by establishing J&B Meat Processing on the outskirts of Barnesville. Together, they worked side by side until their retirement in 2017.

In later years, Barb and Jim relished the experience of spending time with their grandchildren throughout the summer months. Their week-long visits were filled with laughter, campfires, and lake activities. The beauty of nature was never lost on Barb; she delighted in spending serene days on the pontoon, taking long walks, and enjoying breathtaking sunsets over Loon Lake, where she and Jim built their lake home. Loon Lake also provided a community of life-long friends that loved and supported Barb and Jim, and helped create many amazing memories over the last few years.

Barb was a devoted wife and an amazing mother and grandmother. She will be remembered and deeply missed by her husband, James of Vergas, MN; children, Clayton (Lori) Schenck of Horace, ND, and Elizabeth (Ben) Goebel of Stillwater, MN; four grandchildren, Adisyn Schenck, Carter Schenck, Audrey Goebel and Claire Goebel; her siblings, Tom (Barb) Westover of Egan, SD, Mary (Gordon) Lee of Elkton, SD, Warren (Lisa) Westover of Sioux Falls, SD, Terry (Tammy) Westover of Dell Rapids, SD, Dale (Susan) Westover of Sioux Falls, SD, Todd (Jackie) Westover of Sioux Falls, SD, Rich (Kelley) Westover of Colman, SD, Peggy (Shaun) Bell of Harrisonville, MO; sisters-in-law, Marlene (Merle) Westover of Isle, MN, and Roxi (Mark) Westover of Garretson, SD; mother-in-law, Irene Schenck of Sabin, MN; along with numerous nieces and nephews. 

She was preceded in death by her parents, Robert and Arline Westover; father-in-law Harold Schenck; three brothers, Merle Westover, Mark Westover and Kenny Westover; one sister-in-law, Barb Westover; one brother-in-law, Doug Schenck; and one nephew, Derrick Westover. 

A Celebration of Barb’s Life will be held Friday, March 7, 2025, at 2PM in St. James United Church of Christ, Barnesville, MN. Family and friends will gather one hour prior. 

Arrangements entrusted to Korsmo Funeral and Cremation Service of Moorhead, MN. Online guestbook and condolences may be shared at www.korsmofuneralservice.com