Obituary of Linda Barkman

Linda Barkman (nee Friesen) aged 79, of Blumenort, MB., passed away peacefully on Saturday, October 5, 2024, at Bethesda Regional Health Centre, Steinbach, MB., after a very short battle with cancer.

She is survived by her beloved husband, Menno Barkman, their four children and their families: Darrel (Chantal), children Cameron and Jazmyne; Darcia Hiebert, children Bryson, Tristan, Traxton, and Drayton; Tanya (Matt Plett), children Katarina, Clinton, and Emma; Dave (Debbi), children Abigail and Logan. She will also be lovingly remembered by her brother Paul (Margaret) and in-laws, Elmer (Doris), Betty Barkman, Betty (Ben Thiessen), Wilma (Carl Doerksen) and Amanda. 

She was predeceased by her parents Martin P & Anna Friesen, and her brothers Peter, Menno and Ernie.

Linda was born on May 9, 1945, (even though her birth certificate says May 10) in Steinbach, MB. Growing up on the family farm in Blumenhof she was the only daughter in a family of boys. She never enjoyed school or did particularly well at it which led to her dropping out in grade 8. After this she spent some time hoeing beets, working at Granny’s, and then in the kitchen at the Municipal Hospitals in Winnipeg.

Linda came to know the Lord and was baptized on her profession of faith in the Blumenort EMC in her late teens. It was a joy to see her assurance of salvation and her confidence in the Lord not only persist, but to grow deeper and stronger in her final weeks.

Menno and Linda started dating in 1969 and were married on April 10, 1971. After they were married, they moved to Menno’s family farm in Blumenort which is where they lived until her passing. Their first house was just west of the farm and in 1973, they moved into the farmhouse right next to the barn. In those years, she encouraged Menno to keep milking cows even in the seasons where he wasn’t convinced that he wanted to keep going. During this time, they welcomed four children into their home, Darrel in 1972, Darcia in 1974, Tanya in 1978 and David in 1980. When they eventually retired from dairy farming they moved just east of the farm and made themselves a beautiful retirement home and yard.

Linda was a servant at heart, preferring quiet acts of service to being in the spotlight. She was a loyal wife, a dedicated mother, a faithful daughter, sister, and aunt, but the role that brought her the greatest joy was her role as nana. She had a way of making each grandchild feel like they were extra special. She was a second mother to many that needed it, and a good friend to many more. She spent many years welcoming people into her home. She enjoyed gardening, tending to her flowers, and serving her family and church in many ways. 

Viewing will be held on Friday, October 11 at 7:00 p.m. with a time of sharing to begin at 7:30 p.m. at Birchwood Funeral Chapel, Steinbach, MB.

The funeral service will be held on Saturday, October 12, at 2:00 p.m. at Blumenort Community Church, 59 Center Ave, Blumenort, MB with interment to follow at Blumenort Community Church Cemetery.

The family would like to thank the staff at the Ste. Anne and Steinbach Hospitals for their excellent care during Linda’s brief illness.