Barbara Anne Gans

Barbara Anne Gans died at home in Aitkin, Minnesota, on April 15, 2026. She was 72 years old

and had lived with Mixed Connective Tissue Disease for years. In her last days she was attended by her beloved husband with the added care of Hospice. 

Barbara is survived by her husband of 28 years, Joe Gans; her brother Bill Sumner of Newport, Minnesota; sister Nancy Tallman of Austin, Texas; brother Tom Sumner of St. Louis Park, Minnesota; and brother John Sumner of Layton, Utah. Sumner, Gans and Hauge family in-laws. Stepdaughters Becca Loewen, Sarah Gans, Rachel Gans, six grandchildren, many nieces and nephews, and even more grand nieces and nephews.  She was preceded in death by her parents, Donald Sumner and Alice (Hoeksema) Sumner, husband Jim Hauge, dear parents-in-law Lois and Lawrence Hauge, and husband Charlie Tindell. 

Barbara was born into a military family on January 8, 1954. Shortly before her birth, her father was transferred to Japan and the Philippines. Barbara’s mother stayed in Chicago waiting for her arrival. Barbara was born with red hair and the fiery personality often associated with it.  When she was six weeks old, the family traveled by ship across the Pacific Ocean. Over the years Barbara moved with her family to Monterrey, California; Jacksonville, Florida; Roosevelt Roads Naval Air Station, Puerto Rico; Alexandria, Virginia; and finally, before her junior year in high school, to Eden Prairie, Minnesota.  She attended Augsburg College in Minneapolis. She left there to move to Miami, Florida, with her first husband Jim Hauge. Sadly, Jim died of leukemia within three years. After returning to Minnesota, she worked for the University of Minnesota as supervisor for an outpatient surgery clinic for more than 20 years. During that time, she met and married Charlie Tindell, but within four years he succumbed to lung cancer.  Nearly 30 years ago, Barbara regularly shopped at a garden & vegetable stand near her home, and often chatted with the owner. He eventually asked if he could have his brother call her.  Joe made that call and the rest, as they say, is history. On October 11, 1997, they married and she joined him in Aitkin, where they built a house overlooking a pond. 

Over the years, Barbara—the ultimate suburbanite—transformed into a gardener and farmer, learning to raise vegetables and chickens. She particularly doted on the egg layers, even naming one of her favorites after her sister Nancy. She became quite a naturalist by observing the variety of wildlife that thrived on the property. She knew all of the birds who came to her feeders and could identify an animal swimming in the pond by the pattern of its wake alone. Every year, she had Joe float more logs for the turtles and delighted in counting them as they lined up to bask in the sun.  Barbara enjoyed hosting her family and friends, especially nieces, nephews and grandchildren who came to visit. Many wonderful memories were made with her, including collecting multicolored eggs from the chickens, picking and eating raspberries, getting manicures and playing with her beloved Shitzus, Bentley and then Austin. Her first dog Tyler held a special place in her heart forever.  Barbara was an artist. She didn’t just see color, she had synesthesia, meaning she felt it.  She could look at fabrics and visualize how to put them into different quilt patterns, and her favorites were those with bold colors and exotic patterns. Quilting was a joy for her. She also loved colorful flowers and having fresh bouquets on her table. She became a certified Master Gardener, with special interest in growing peonies and other flowers, and often gifted bouquets to her friends.  Barbara’s DVR was filled with episodes of Cops and similar shows, and she also loved a good NASCAR race. A favorite trip was to the Talladega Superspeedway. Did you know Barbara collected Hippos? A thrift store joke ignited her 40-year collection! Santas, chickens and antique glass bottles also made impressive displays in her home. However, her favorite collection might have been the notes Joe wrote for her on colorful little post-its, giving her love and encouragement every day.  With her red hair and fearless voice, Barbara brought color and candor wherever she went. Her quilts were as vibrant as her spirit, and her memory will continue to wrap those who loved her

in warmth and comfort.

Visitation will be 4 to 6pm Wednesday, May 6, 2026 at Sorensen Root Thompson Funeral Home in Aitkin.  Memorial service will be 11am – Thursday, May 7, 2026 at New Life Church in Aitkin, with lunch to follow.  www.srtfuneral.com

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