Barbara Joan McGowan

Barbara Joan McGowan, 76, of Pine Island, MN passed away Thursday, September 3, 2020, at her home surrounded by family after a courageous battle with cancer.

Barbara was born July 17, 1944 to Otis and Marie (Niebert) Ward in Brooklyn, New York. The family relocated to Minnesota where she graduated from Pine Island High School in 1962. Barbara was a member of St. Paul Lutheran Church, the VFW Post 9647, served as president of the American Legion Post 184 Auxiliary, as well as President of District 3 American Legion Auxiliary. She had a 36 year career with MN DOT before retiring in 2004. She spent the next several years traveling to conventions, golfing, playing bingo and poker, spending time with family, and camping.

Survivors include her sister Margaret Rohlfs of Rochester; daughter Lorri (Scott) Rennie of Pine Island, MN; daughter Patty Walk of Rochester; granddaughter Carol David of Pine Island, MN; granddaughter Cathryn (Travis) Jones of Rochester; grandson Alex (Alexis) Walk of Rochester; grandson Cory Walk of Rochester; and three great-grandchildren, Olivia and Lucas David and Julien Jones. Barbara was preceded in death by her parents, sister Judy Ward, husband Marlow, and great- granddaughter Lilly.

A celebration of life will take place in the coming weeks.