George H. Barnard

George Hilliard Barnard, age 81, of Waterville, was called to be with his Lord on Wednesday, January 2, 2013.                      Â

The youngest of three sons, George was born to Coral and Josephine (Wagner) Barnard of Good Thunder, Minnesota, on December 1, 1931.  Â

He graduated from Good Thunder High School in 1949 and the University of St. Thomas in 1953. After college, George served for two years as an officer in the U.S. Air Force and was stationed in Korea.

On February 11, 1956, he was united in marriage to Rosanne Clara Weydert. They were blessed with two sons and two daughters and made their home in Waterville, Minnesota, for 56 years.

George was a high-school teacher, head baseball coach, athletic director, and community-services director at Waterville-Elysian-Morristown schools, where he worked for more than 40 years, and was awarded many honors, such as district Teacher of the Year and, in 1990, Minnesota State High School League Athletic Director of the Year.

He was an active member of Holy Trinity Catholic Church, the Knights of Columbus, the American Legion, the VFW, the Lions Club, and several other community organizations. He was also interested in history, government, and politics, serving three times as a state convention delegate.

Always eager to learn new things, George enjoyed many hobbies, including golf, carpentry, and reading. He was a talented athlete, an exceptional baseball coach, and a loyal fan of amateur and professional sports. He especially enjoyed watching professional golf and the Twins, Vikings, Gophers, Fighting Irish, and anything tied to the University of St. Thomas or WEM High School.

Above all, George was a devoted family man who made countless sacrifices for his wife, children, grandchildren, and others. He was humble, tender-hearted, and compassionate. He truly delighted in the joys and achievements of others and shared the sorrows of those who suffered. He put the needs of everyone else before his own and set an unequaled example as husband and father. George was loved and adored by his family and others, and he will be forever missed.

He is survived by his wife of nearly 57 years, Rosanne; children Greg (Chris), Lisa (Phil) Hoeppner, Barb (Mark) Kluender, and Kevin; grandchildren Natalie, Michael, and Daniel Barnard, Katrina and Monica Kluender; brothers Harry (Marge) and William (Eloise); cousins Charles Barnard and Phyllis Swanson; brothers- and sisters-in-law Theodore and Mary Wiebold, Ronald and Illa Krengel, and Mary Lou Weydert; and many nieces and nephews. George was preceded in death by his parents.

Visitation will be held at Prosch-Dennis Funeral Home in Waterville on Sunday, January 6, 2013 from 2-5 PM with a 4:45 PM Rosary and continue on Monday, one hour before services at the church.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Monday, January 7, 2013 at 11:00 AM at Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Waterville.  Burial will follow at Barnard Valley View Cemetery in Good Thunder.

Memorials will be directed toward myasthenia gravis research and local charities.