Barbara Gale Juhnke

Barbara Gale Juhnke passed away peacefully at Sandford hospital in Fargo ND on Wednesday, September 24 at 12 noon. She is the only daughter of Edwin (Bill) and Kay (Conway) Juhnke.  Barb’s passing comes after a several month battle with adrenal cancer.

A Celebration of Life service will be 11:00 a.m., Saturday, October 25, 2025 at the Tenstrike Community Church. Visitation will be 5-7 p.m. Friday October 24 at the Olson-Schwartz Funeral Home, Bemidji and one hour prior to the service at the church.  

Barb was born in Grand Forks on August 21, 1958, the oldest of 4 children. She attended elementary school in Grand Forks, N.D.  Later, at the age of 13 she moved with her family to Larimore ND, ultimately graduating from Larimore High in 1976. She was a member of the Drama & Art club, Solo & Ensemble choir and lettered in music. Soon after high school, Barb earned her bachelor’s degree in art education from UND in Grand Forks ND.  After several years working in Bemidji area nursing homes as activities director, Barb went back to school at Bemidji State University and received her nursing degree as an RN.  Barb worked at the Bemidji Sanford Medical Center in the E.R. department for over 30+ years. She was involved in missions through her church affiliations and supported orphanages in Uganda and Kenya both financially and on personal missions trips to those regions. Her greatest delight was studying the Word of God and walking with Jesus. Her hobbies include fishing, snorkeling and pontoon rides on Big Lake, near Bemidji; chasing the ever elusive muskie when not in pursuit of walleye or bass and participating in the annual family bass tournament as pontoon driver for Team Bass Queens.  She enjoyed every moment spent with her nieces and nephews, blueberry picking, snowshoeing and gardening around her yard with many beautiful flowerbeds.  Her life’s greatest joys revolved around her faith in God, family time and her home on Big Lake.

Barb was a member of Tenstrike Community Church and regularly supported Glory of Zion’s missions and outreaches.

Barb was preceded in death by her Father, Edwin William (Bill) Juhnke her grandparents, Charles and Blanch Conway, Edwin William Juhnke Sr. and Harriet Juhnke.  She is survived by her mother, Kay (Conway) Juhnke, and brothers Paul, Brian and Neil  (Juhnke), as well as 10 nieces and nephews and 11 grand nieces and nephews.

Memorial donations in Barb’s memory may be directed to Missions within your church or supported by Tenstrike. Envelopes are available and may be sent to Olson & Schwartz Funeral Home in care of arrangements.

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