Barbara Margaret Mary Rath - Kasson

KASSON — Barbara Rath (Kroneberger), age 72, died Feb. 4, 2010, peacefully with her family at her side, after a long illness.

Barbara was born July 7, 1937, in Remsen, Iowa. Her childhood was spent in Brewster, Minn., on a farm with seven brothers, Monty Kroneberger, Thomas Bohn, Edward Bohn, Andrew Kroneberger, Michael Kroneberger, Joseph Kroneberger and John Kroneberger. On April 19, 1958, she married Charles Rath in Brewster.

She spent much of her life as a homemaker and loved her nine children deeply. Some of her many interests included: gardening, painting and cooking. She enjoyed all types of flowers and wildlife, especially songbirds.

She had a smile for everyone she met, making friends easily with her kind and tender heart. However, the central focus of her life was prayer and her love of the Lord Jesus.

She is survived by her husband, Charles Rath of Kasson; nine children, John (Sheila) of Eyota, daughter Beada (Rick) Jorgenson of Kasson, Charles Jr. (Tammy) of Lakeville, Minn., Todd of Rochester, Christopher (Joan) of Baraboo, Wis., James of Kasson, Douglas of Rosemount, Minn., daughter Angela of Apple Valley, Minn., and Anthony of Kasson. Also surviving are her 15 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren; and brothers, Edward, Andrew and Joe.

Preceding her in death were her brothers, Michael, Monty, Tommy and John.

Visitation will be held Monday the 8th of February from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Holy Family Catholic Church, 1904 N. Mantorville Ave., Kasson, MN 55944. The funeral will be at 11 a.m. at Holy Family Catholic Church on Tuesday the 9th.

Dibble Funeral Home, Kasson, is handling arrangements.

Memorials are preferred to Maple Manor Nursing Home Activities, Arts & Crafts: 1875 19th St. N.W., Rochester, MN 55901.