Barbara Joyce (Erickson) Henke

Barbara Joyce Henke, age 82, of Walker, Minnesota, passed away peacefully on Saturday, March 7, 2026, at Birchview Gardens in Walker, MN, after a long journey with Lewy Body Dementia.

Barbara was born on June 24, 1943, in Walker, Minnesota, to William and Loretta (Lang) Erickson. She spent her early years in Walker, after which the Erickson family moved to Akeley. Barbara completed her education at Akeley High School and subsequently pursued studies in Cosmetology at Wadena Technical College. She began her career as a beautician at Ila’s Beauty Shop in Walker.

Barbara married Allen Henke on November 30, 1964, and were married 61 years. The couple initially resided in Minneapolis and Rosemount before making their home in Walker, overlooking scenic Pumphouse Bay on Leech Lake. Their family grew to include four children: Joyce, Theresa, Angela, and Richard. After starting a family, Barbara became a full-time homemaker. Years later, she spent 18 years working from home, assembling pen top testers for Cottage Industries.

Barbara especially enjoyed spending time with her family and found pleasure in word-find puzzles, crocheting afghans and doilies, collecting bells, reading, gardening, playing cards with family and friends, and trips to the family cabin on Little Grassy River in Canada.

Barbara was preceded in death by her daughter, Angela Henke Peck; her parents, William and Loretta Erickson; her sister, Minerva Fischer; and her brother, William Erickson.

She is survived by her loving husband, Allen Henke of Walker; daughters Joyce (Randy) Sundberg of Foreston, MN; Theresa (Todd) Felix of Walker, MN, and son Richard Henke of Lakefield, MN; sister, Marie Crosby of Akeley; brother, Jim (Rose) Erickson of Thief River Falls, MN; grandchildren Brandon, Cameron, Heather, Ryan, Sadie, Chevelle, and Cheyenne.  Great-grandchildren Rowen, Leni, and Lincoln.

Barbara’s family extends their gratitude to all friends and relatives for the support shown throughout the past several years. They also wish to thank Birchview Gardens and St. Croix Hospice for their kindness, compassion, and devoted care provided to Barbara.

A Celebration of Life for Barbara will be held on Saturday, April 4th, 2026, at 11:00 a.m., with a one-hour visitation prior, at Northern Peace Funeral Home in Walker, MN.

Barbara’s care has been entrusted to Northern Peace Funeral Home of Walker, MN.  Online condolences for the family may be left at www.northernpeace.com

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Barbara Joyce (Erickson) Henke, please visit our floral store.