Barbara J Cowden

Barb was born to Delmar and Deloris Kramer on February 22, 1953 in Rochester, MN. She passed peacefully into the loving arms of Jesus the morning of March 9th, 2023, after multiple battles with cancer. She grew up in Douglas, Pine Island, and Mazeppa, then moved back to Pine Island. This is where she graduated and met the Love of her life, Lon Cowden. They were married a year after High School, but lived their first year of marriage apart due to Barb finishing nursing school and Lon working on an Air Force base in Michigan. Once they moved back to Rochester, Barb spent most of her Nursing career taking care of tiny babies in the NICU. Soon they welcomed their own babies, Chad and Angela, into the world just 18 months apart from each other. Life was busy! Barb’s favorite times were spent playing with and taking care of her kids and grandkids. She liked being active with family and friends by spending time camping, hiking, biking, fishing, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and playing card games. Her other favorite past time was reading – you would find a book in her hands when fishing or frequently when she felt like she should be accomplishing something else. Her faith was the most important part of her life. She took Christ Jesus as her Savior along with Lon at a Billy Graham Crusade when they were 18 years old. After developing in her faith – she began to love to work in ministries at the church. Throughout her life she taught and led in AWANA, Youth group, Nursery, Puppets, Dramas, and Women’s Bible Studies. Her kind words and gentle smile will forever be missed. Barb was preceded in death by Delmar Kramer (Father), Steve Kramer (Brother), Sue Kramer Krause (Sister), and Irene Cowden (Mother-In-Law). She is survived by Lon Cowden (husband), Deloris Kramer Skalicky (Mother), Paul Cowden (Father-in-Law), Sisters and Brothers: Joanie (Russ) Betsinger, Nancy Kramer, Kim Kramer, Monte (Mary) Kramer, and Colleen (Steve) Kunze; Son: Chad (April) Cowden, Daughter: Angela (Christopher) Trudel; Grandchildren: Tianna (Sam) Johnson, Cody Cowden, Gabriella and Gavin Trudel; Great-Grandchild Jaide Johnson. Barb’s Memorial Service will be held at Cornerstone Baptist Church in Pine Island, MN, on Tuesday, March 14th at 10:30am. Visitation with the family will be on Monday, March 13th from 5-7pm also at Cornerstone. Memorials in Barb’s memory can be made to the Good News Evangelical Free Church Building Fund, PO Box 176, 208 N Main St. in Pine Island. If you wish to send flowers, please have them delivered on Tuesday from 9-10am at Cornerstone Baptist Church, 857 Rolling View Lane SE in Pine Island.