Eric "Edgar" Gary Barnes

Eric “Edgar” Gary Barnes, age 49, of Mankato, died Saturday, March 30, 2019 at his home in Eagle Lake after battling pancreatic and liver cancer for nine years.

Memorial service will be held at 1pm, Saturday, April 6, 2019 at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Mankato with visitation starting at 11am. Please share a memory of Eric with his family at www.mankatomortuary.com.

He was born June 23, 1969 in Mankato to Roger and Marlene (Pankratz) Barnes. Eric was baptized and confirmed at Bethlehem Lutheran Church, attended Jefferson Elementary School, and graduated from Mankato West High School. He studied aviation mechanics in Eden Prairie and lived and worked in Minneapolis. Edgar was an inventive artist, musician, and skateboarder who was active in the local community. He was currently employed by Gene’s Repair in Eagle Lake.

Eric loved art and music, which led him to DJ on Friday nights on KMSU radio with the Minnesota Music Network and formed and participated with the Midwest Art Catalyst (MWAC) to support the creative community in Mankato that he cared so much for. He was able to celebrate many milestones with his daughters, Ella and Calista, and was thankful for the many prayers from Pastor Jay and Pastor Collette from Bethlehem Lutheran Church. 

Eric is survived by his daughter, Ella Barnes and her mother, Gretchen Kliever; daughter, Calista Barnes and her mother, Angie Barnes; parents, Marlene and Roger Barnes; brothers, Randy (Wanda) Barnes, Marcus (Jenny) Barnes, Bradley (Christie) Barnes; nephews and niece, William Barnes, Margaret Barnes, and Oliver Barnes; significant other, Tatum Roberts; aunts, Jeanie Bloemke, Elise (Russle) Norcutt, and Irene (LuVern) Piotter; uncles, Andrew (Janice) Pankratz, and David (Vicki) Pankratz; and many extended family and friends.

He was preceded in death by his maternal and paternal grandparents; uncles, Gary Barnes, Larry Barnes, Roy Pankratz, and Cliff Pankratz; and aunt, Doris Pankratz.

A fund has been started to support his family and donations can be made at http://gofundme.com/support-for-the-family-of-eric-barnes. Special thank you to the Midwest Art Catalyst and Megan Hoogland for continued support of Eric and the creative community.