Richard "Rich" C. Barnes

RICHARD “RICH” C. BARNES, age 65 of Ellendale, died on Saturday, March 27, 2021 at Abbott Northwestern Hospital in Minneapolis.

Born in Mankato on October 24, 1955, Rich was the son of Clarence and Helen (Van Norman) Barnes. He attended school in Mankato and graduated from Mankato West High School with the class of 1974 before serving his country in the United States Navy from 1974 until 1980. On August 30, 1975 Rich was married to Holly Jenné at the Disciples of Christ Church in Mankato. Over the years Rich worked for Telex Communications, at Carleton College, in the insurance industry, with the E.F. Johnson Company, and as a driver for AMV. He was a member of the National Rifle Association and he enjoyed hunting, fishing, collecting scrap and going to garage sales (he loved finding treasures and giving them away – especially to his grandchildren), but more than anything he loved spending time with his family and friends. Rich and Holly have been members of the First Baptist Church in Waterville for over twenty years.

Rich is survived by his wife, Holly of Ellendale; three children, Melinda (Shawn) Cowell of Ellendale, Jenne (Mark) Wilkins of Owatonna, and Richard (Kristin) Barnes of Waseca; nine grandchildren with one more on the way; seven siblings and their families; and his beloved dog, Tank. He was preceded in death by his parents; three siblings; one son, Thad; and one grandson, James.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00AM on Monday, April 12, 2021 at the First Baptist Church in Waterville, with Rev. Gene Witte officiating. Visitation will be held at the church from 9:00AM until the time of the service. Interment will follow at Minneopa Cemetery in Mankato.