Loren Alfred Barnes, 85, of Chatfield, Minn., passed away peacefully on January 1, 2024, at the Chosen Valley Care Center in Chatfield.
Loren was born August 3, 1938, in Spring Valley, to Donald and Doris (King) Barnes. He graduated from Chatfield High School in 1956. On September 9, 1967, he married Ella May Parsons in Winslow, Ariz.
Loren lived on the family farm in Chatfield since he was five years old, sharing in the responsibility of the farm management with his father Don, and eventually taking it on for his growing family. He served on the Chatfield School Board for 12 years, serving as Board chairman for four of those years. He also took part in numerous other community organizations over the years. Loren is well known in the community for his unmatched generosity, lively stories and humbling personality.
Loren is survived by his three daughters: Lorri (Rick) Lowrey of Clear Lake, Minn., Leslie Edwards (Roger Struckhoff) of Marthasville, Mo., and Amy (Ted) Wienstroer of Cedar Hill, Mo.; six grandchildren: Jason, Maggie and Aaron Lowrey, Cassidy Edwards, and Anthony and Katherine Wienstroer; two sisters, Lucy (Blaine) Diesslin of Ely, Minn., and Marlys Meyer of Monticello, Minn.
He is preceded in death by his loving wife, Ella Barnes, parents Don and Doris Barnes of Chatfield, Minn., in-laws Herb and Betty Parsons of Winslow, Ariz., his sister Ruth Barnes of Fridley, Minn.; his two brothers-in-law, Richard (Dick) Rabell of Alpine, Calif., and Jerry Kincaid of Winslow, Ariz.
Memorial service for Loren will be 11 a.m. on Saturday, January 6, 2024, at Cornerstone Evangelical Free Church, Rochester, Minn. Visitation will be 4–6 p.m. Friday, January 5, 2024, at the church, and will continue Saturday morning from 10–11 a.m. Burial will be in the Chatfield Cemetery following the service.
Riley Funeral Home & Cremation Services of Chatfield is assisting the Barnes family with arrangements. Online condolences are welcome at rileyfuneralhomes.com.
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