Marie Ellen Barker

Marie Ellen Barker of Hudson, WI, passed away peacefully on October 16, 2026, at the age of 89. Born on June 12, 1937, in Britton, SD to Kenneth and Violet Hemen. After graduating from North High School in Minneapolis, MN, she worked as a jewelry buyer for Donaldson Co. in Minneapolis. Marie received her Bachelor of Science from Univ of MN and Master of Arts from University of Michigan. She then moved to Anchorage, AK to work as a school teacher. From her early beginnings, she was destined to be a teacher. As noted in her kindergarten report card "Marie is a happy, friendly girl, but tries to direct all the activity of her particular group".

She returned to Stillwater, MN in 2018. During this time Marie was involved with the "Nolan Ave" friends' group, traveled to China and took a cruise of the five Great Lakes. Marie enjoyed Friday night dinners and cards/games with Neil's family, many picnics in their backyard, attending concerts of great nieces and nephews, watching their horseback competitions, dancing at Octoberfest, touring the sights of Stillwater, and surrounding areas. She enjoyed sharing her stories and jokes, watching high school football, and feeding her geese and squirrels in her back yard.

Marie is survived by her brother Neil (Kathy) Hemen; sister, Cindy Christie; nieces, Katie (Brian) Haupt, Elizabeth (Ron) Newman, Jennifer (Chris) VanTassel; nephew, Brian (Kailee) Christie, many great nephews, great nieces, a great great nephew and stepsons, Scott and Tim Barker.

She was preceded in death by her spouse, Randell; parents, and nephew David Christie.

A celebration of life will be held on November 7, 2026 at Woodland Hill Senior Community, 441 Stageline Road, Hudson, WI 54016 from 1-4 p.m. Bradshaw Funeral in Stillwater, MN is handling arrangements. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Lakeview Hospice Home Care in Stillwater, MN.