Barbara Jean (Smith) Domke

Barbara Domke, age 89, of Glenwood, died Tuesday, August 29, 2023, at Parkview Assisted Living in Glenwood, surrounded by her family. A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 6th at Glenwood Lutheran Church, with Rev. Krista Lee officiating. Visitation will be from 5 – 7 p.m. on Tuesday at the funeral home in Glenwood and will continue on Wednesday at the church, one hour prior to the service. Inurnment will be in Glenwood Lutheran Cemetery. Arrangements are with Hoplin-Hitchcock Funeral Home of Glenwood.

Barbara Jean Smith, daughter of Harry and Nellie (Dalenberg) Smith, was born on April 27, 1934, in Baraboo, WI. The youngest of three children, she grew up in Baraboo where she attended and graduated from Baraboo High School with the Class of 1952. While in high school, she worked at the Baraboo Theatre and at Woolworth’s. More importantly, while in high school, she met fellow classmate, Arnold “Arnie” John Domke, who turned out to be her soul mate and love of her life. They were married on April 11, 1954, in Baraboo.

During their first several years together as a married couple, Barb and Arnie moved around frequently as Arnie’s job relocated them to various towns. Their marriage began in Baraboo and from there they lived in Racine, WI, St. Paul MN, Devils Lake, ND, and Roseville, MN before settling in Glenwood in 1964. The moment they drove into town and down the hill overlooking Lake Minnewaska, Barb said, “This is so beautiful and a great place to raise our family!” She loved her life tremendously in Glenwood, surrounded by so many wonderful friends. Barb worked at the V-Store for many years and when that closed in 1971, she started working as the secretary for Glenwood Lutheran Church. Barb worked there until she retired in May of 1997. Throughout the years she was active in various church committees, as well as the Jaycees and many Waterama committees. She thoroughly enjoyed her card clubs, bowling leagues, snowmobiling, and most of all she loved camping. She and Arnie camped in all but three states before finally retiring from camping at the age of 86.

Barb was a very compassionate and loving person, with a wonderful sense of humor and wit. She was loved deeply by all who knew her, but no one loved her more than Arnie; for over 69 years the pair was inseparable. Barb passed away on Tuesday, August 29, 2023, at the age of 89, in her home at Parkview Assisted Living, with Arnie and their family by her side. May her memory be blessed.

Barbara is survived by her loving husband of 69 years, Arnold Domke, of Glenwood; their children, Kathy (Loren) Schroeder of Glenwood, Deb (Pete) Brandt of Pequot Lakes, John Domke of Alexandria, and Diane (Jeff) Moll of Morrison, CO; 9 grandchildren, Janel Schroeder, Karen (Todd) O’Neil, Carol Hertel, David (Megan) Schroeder, Sarah (William) Loman, Jana (Tim) Emanuel, Adam Domke, Amber (Rob) Hedrick, and Michelle (Brian) Pritekel; 9 great-grandchildren; 2 great-great grandchildren; several step grandchildren; nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents; parents-in-law; her infant son, David Domke; grandson, Joseph Domke; and daughter-in-law, Jean Domke.

Barb’s family prefers memorials go to Glenwood Lutheran Church, 206 Minnesota Ave East, Glenwood MN 56334, or Glenwood Retirement Village, 719 2nd Street SE, Glenwood, MN 56334.

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