Barbara J. Graycarek began her heavenly life on October 3, 2026.

Barb was often described as generous, kind, supportive, a good listener, a great friend, funny, and simply pleasant to be around. She was certainly all those things and so much more. As a dear childhood friend wrote, “As much as I am saddened by her passing, my strongest feeling is gratitude that I had such a wonderful person as a friend.”

Barb grew up in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. She attended Catholic grade schools and graduated from Divine Savior Holy Angels High School in 1969. She went on to attend St. Norbert College in De Pere, Wisconsin, and later graduated from the University of Wisconsin–Madison. After working a few years, she earned an MBA from the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee.

After college, Barb lived in the Milwaukee area before moving to Chicago. In 1996 she moved to the St. Paul area making her home in Eagan, Minnesota. She retired from her position with Traveler’s Insurance as 2nd VP of Product Management in 2016, having spent over 40 years in the insurance industry.

Barb was extremely generous with her time and loved being involved in her community. She spent 12 years on the Eagan Art Festival Board and logged more than 1,500 hours over 10 years as a greeter at Open Door Pantry, Dakota County’s largest hunger relief organization. Even after being diagnosed with an incurable lung disease in 2024, giving up her time at Open Door was simply not an option for Barb. Her doctor, realizing how important it was to her, finally said, “Just wear a mask!”

Barb’s friends were the hallmark of her life. She was doggedly determined to stay in touch with every dear friend and neighbor she had made throughout her life. One of her greatest joys was spending time with them and welcoming them into her home. She cared deeply about her friends and was always there when they needed her.

Most of all, family meant the world to Barb. She was an amazing sister and “Aunt Extraordinaire” to her two beloved nieces. Their childhood memories are filled with adventurous summer vacations in the Twin Cities and magical Christmas mornings at Aunt Barb’s house. She treasured those times as much as they did.

Barb is survived by her loving sister, Karen Burke (Leonard); brother, Thomas Graycarek; loving nieces, Emily Rose Burke and Erin Elizabeth Burke; and dear cousins, Jon Danforth (Lynn) and Lisa Bartz (Rick). She was preceded in death by her mother, Vivian Hermann, and her father, Donald L. Graycarek.

The family would like to thank Barb’s many friends who helped her in countless ways, especially since she did not have family living nearby. There are too many people to name, but special thanks go to her neighbors, Marsha Ruwe and Kathy Johnson, for their countless acts of kindness and service to Barb.

A very special thank-you also goes to Jane Palmer and the staff and volunteers at Open Door Pantry for the love, friendship, and support they showed Barb, especially during this difficult time.

Please check back for information on Barb's celebration of life