William G. "Bill" Barnard

Mankato Mortuary
1001 N. Riverfront Drive
Mankato, MN  56001
(507) 388-2202

William George “Bill” Barnard, age 89, of Good Thunder, died Saturday, November 25, 2017, at Laurel’s Peak Rehabilitation Center in Mankato.

Mass of Christian Burial will be 11:00 a.m., Thursday, November 30, 2017, at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Good Thunder, with Rev. Andrew Vogel officiating.  Visitation will be 9:30-11 a.m. prior to the mass at the church.  Interment will be in Barnard’s Valley View Cemetery.  Mankato Mortuary handled the arrangements.  Memorials are preferred to St. Joseph’s Catholic Church or the Good Thunder Fire Dept.

Bill was born December 7, 1927, to Coral and Josephine (Wagner) Barnard.   He was raised on a farm in rural Good Thunder, graduating from Good Thunder High School in 1946. After a brief period at the University of MN Agricultural School, Bill returned home after his father’s death to take over the family farm. He married Eloise Crane on August 16, 1950.  In 1952, Bill enlisted in the U.S. Air Force and served in active duty until 1956, including time in Greenland, being honorably discharged in 1960.

Bill was a lifelong farmer raising cattle and crops and also worked full-time for Farmland Industries for 26 years.  He was a lifelong member of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church of Good Thunder and served as a trustee.  In his young adult years Bill enjoyed playing baseball with the Good Thunder town team. He served on the Lyra Township Board for many years. In the early 1950’s Bill was involved in the newly formed Pintail Club, and was an avid hunter.  He was also a member of American Legion Post 616. He especially loved spending time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Bill is survived by Eloise, his wife of 67 years; son, David (Dee) of Edwardsville, IL and their children, Dr. Emily Barnard (Dr. Ross Puffer) of Rochester, Benjamin (fiancée, Jacquelyn Schwartz) of Minnetonka, and Christian Fredericks of Edwardsville, IL; daughter, Julie (Bruce) Zastrow of Mankato and their children, Guy (Britny) of Truman and children Levi, Ethan, and Talin, Yahna (Andy) Zaharia of Great Falls, MT, Micah of North Mankato, Claire of Mankato, and great-granddaughter, Skyabellin of Winnebago; son, Paul (Rhonda) of Good Thunder and their children, Bradley of Mankato, Aaron (Shaina) of Good Thunder and children, Hadlie and Brooks, Amanda (Adam) Stencel of Minnesota Lake, and Jacob of Amboy; sister-in-law, Marge Barnard of Mankato; also many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded death by his parents; brothers, Harry and George, and sister-in-law, Mrs. George (Rosanne) Barnard.