Barbara Austin

Barbara K. Austin, a longtime resident of Rochester, died peacefully on May 30, 2024, at the age of 82, at Madonna Meadows Memory after battling Dementia.

Barbara was born on June 18, 1941, in Hayfield, MN, to parents Spencer and Locella (Baumann) Nelson. She grew up in Byron, graduated from Byron High School in 1959, and then worked in the records department at Mayo Clinic. On October 12, 1962, she married Gay D. Austin in Rochester, though they divorced in later years. Barbara continued to live in Rochester, where she resided at High Pointe Living Community for two decades.

Ultimately, Barbara was passionate about caring for children in various capacities. She was known for her in-home daycare, worked as an in-home nanny for many special families, in the nursery at Northgate Health Club, and taught at pre-schools such as Rainbow School. Each phase of her work career spanned several years and left a positive impact on the lives she touched.

Barbara found joy in crafting, building photo albums, playing games, mailing cards for holidays and special occasions, and creating a huge collection of Holstein cow items. She welcomed new residents and helped coordinate activities at High Pointe. She was always big into gardening and flowers.

She is survived by her children, Jeanette (Louis) DiBerardino of Norwalk, CT, and Andrew (Sheryle) Austin of San Antonio, TX; her grandchildren, Samantha Austin, AJ (Aaron) Green, Kyle Austin, Adam Robertino and Brendon Robertino; her siblings Richard Nelson of Rochester, MN, Susan Crawford of Byron, MN, and Jeff Nelson of Rochester, MN; as well as numerous nieces and nephews. Barbara was preceded in death by her parents, Spencer and Locella Nelson; and brothers, James and Bruce Nelson; niece Melanie Nelson and nephew Ben Nelson.

A funeral service to celebrate Barbara's life will be held at 11:00AM on Wednesday, June 5, 2024 at Zumbro Lutheran Church (624 3rd Ave SW, Rochester, MN 55902). Visitation will be from 5-7PM on Tuesday, June 4, 2024 at Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Home (5421 Royal Pl. NW Rochester, MN 55901) as well as one hour prior to the service at the church. Burial will be at Grandview Memorial Gardens.

Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Home is honored to be serving the Austin family; to share a special memory or condolence, please visit www.ranfranzandvinefh.com.