Barbara Jean Hanzal

Barbara Jean (Berntson) Hanzal, age 93, went home to her heavenly Father on July 19, 2022 at Edgewood Vista, Fargo under the care of Hospice of the Red River Valley.  Barb was born on December 19, 1928 in Minneapolis, Minnesota to Hilda and Arthur Berntson.  Her favorite childhood memory was learning to tap dance with her father in the basement of their home.  Barb was known to break into a tap dance with any encouragement, and loved to demonstrate the steps for her great grandchildren.  She loved music, was an accomplished pianist and sang in several choirs throughout her life. Barb married her high school sweetheart, DuWayne Hanzal, on October 6, 1951 and they made their home in Minneapolis where they were blessed with four daughters in 5 years. They moved their young family from Minneapolis to Parshall, North Dakota where they joined and helped grow DuWayne’s family farm operation. Barb took on the numerous farm wife duties and also worked full time at Peoples State Bank in Parshall until their retirement. Barb and DuWayne were “snow birds” and loved to spend their winters at their home in Mesa, Arizona. DuWayne passed away on January 6, 2020.

Barb enjoyed playing cards and scrabble, and even at 93, was the one elected to retrieve fallen cards or scrabble pieces from under the table since she was so agile. She was always ready for a shopping trip or adventure, and loved attending Twins games with her four girls.

Barb is survived by her children: Sue (Mike) Beaver, South Haven, MN:  Sandy (Jan) Rieger, Walcott, ND: Sharon (Dave) McCarthy, Newtown, CT: Stacy (Rick) Conrad, Henning, MN: Grandchildren: Michelle, Amanda, Jessie, Jennifer, Shane, Andrew, Ben, Hannah and 9 great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband of 69 years, DuWayne (they were proud of the fact that at Wedding dances they were usually the last couple standing at Anniversary longevity contests); brother Howard and his wife Mary; and great granddaughter, Paityn.

Family would like to express their thanks and appreciation for the care given to Barb by Edgewood Vista staff and Hospice of the Red River Valley. Family requests that in lieu of flowers, please send donations to Hospice of the Red River Valley.

The Celebration of Life for friends and family will be held at Lakewood Cemetery, Minneapolis, MN, on July 29, 2022 at 3:00 PM.

Arrangements by Wright Funeral Home, Moorhead.