BARBARA RUTH CONNELL, age 90, of Luverne, went to see her husband Keith on Thursday, June 8, 2017. She was born January 25, 1927, in Pipestone, to Leo and Stephanie (DeToy) DeClerk. She grew up near Jasper and graduated from Jasper High School. Barb attended the University of Minnesota for one year where she was a cheerleader. She then returned to Jasper.

   Barb married Keith Connell on December 9, 1947, at the St. Joseph Parsonage in Jasper. They lived in Luverne and raised their family of ten children. For several years, Barb worked at the Luverne Style Shop.

   She was a member of St. Catherine Parish; and the LCCW. She was a wonderful wife, mother, and homemaker. Family and friends were always welcome in her home. She had the ability to make everyone feel special. Barb always had a positive outlook on life, a passion for cooking and baking (especially pies and sugar cookies). She enjoyed bowling, bridge, the Minnesota Twins, and the Duke Blue Devils. She was well known for her world class whistling ability and for being an eight year hospice graduate. She accomplished her goal of living out her life in her home of sixty seven years.

   Barb is survived by her ten children, Stephanie (Bill) Heyer, Eden Prairie; Timothy (Connie) Connell, Luverne; Mary (Carl) Steerman, West Bend, WI; Patrick Connell, Luverne; Charles Connell, Luverne; Megan (Tom) Nelson, Luverne; Robert (Sandy) Connell, Cambridge; John Connell, Luverne; Casey Connell, Panama City, FL; and Kathryn (Pat) Baustian, Luverne; seventeen grandchildren; sixteen great grandchildren; sister-in-law, Florence Connell, Kansas City, MO; and special friends, Barb Dispanet, Sara Lanoue and Dr. Judy Chesley.

   She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Keith on December 30, 1989; three brothers, Francis, Peter & Eddie DeClerk; and two sisters, Helen Kollman and Gertrude Leister.  

   Visitation will be from 5-8 pm Thursday at the Dingmann Funeral Home in Luverne, with Parish Prayers at 8 pm. Visitation also one hour prior to the service at the church on Friday. Funeral will be 11:00 am Friday at St. Catherine Catholic Church, in Luverne, officiated by Fr. Thomas Jennings. Burial will be in the St. Catherine Cemetery in Luverne.

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