Barbara Mattfeld

Barbara Jane (Hendrickson) Matffeld passed away at her home in Perham, MN while under the care of family and Ethos Hospice. Barb, known for her kind smile and loving spirit, was born March 5,1939 in Otto Township, Ottertail County, MN to Eino and Tillie (Wiire) Hendrickson. Barbara was the youngest of 6 children. In her early years, Barb attended church at the New York Mills Apostolic Lutheran Church. She attended country school near Perham and later transferred to Perham elementary. She graduated from New York Mills High School, Class of 1957.

After high school, Barb enrolled in Mcconnell Airline school in Minneapolis and studied to become a flight attendant. She returned home and worked for a county nurse as an assistant. Barbara met James (Jim) Mattfeld initially at a bowling alley, and were later set-up at the county fair when their friends urged them to ride a fair ride together. This meeting led to more dates and eventually to marriage on November 29,1958. After a snowy honeymoon, they settled into their new life together in rural Perham where they farmed for 53 years. They were married for nearly 63 years.

While raising a family of 4 children, she enjoyed gardening and caring for her flowers. She had various side jobs, the first at Best Western Motel in Detroit Lakes. She then worked at a bakery and at various greenhouses caring for plants, which she did extremely well. Her final job was at Perham Printing, where she eventually retired.

Her Christian life was as beautiful as the flowers she nourished. Jim and Barb attended the First Baptist church in Frazee MN where they were baptized. They raised their children to embrace Christian values and did great services for their church, friends, and neighbors. Barbara maintained a great faith through her battle with breast cancer. She was a survivor of 32 years.

Barb is preceded in death by her mother and father (Eino & Tillie Hendrickson) by her three sisters (Hazel, Bernice, and Alice) and a brother (Marshall) who died serving in the military in Africa.

Her beautiful life will forever be cherished by her one surviving sister (Betty Schurdevin of Fargo, ND). Husband (James Mattfeld of Perham, MN). Four children and their spouses (Mark & Jackie Mattfeld of Lake Park, MN) (Theresa and Lee Marshall of Valley City, ND) (Rhonda Kading of Alexandria, MN) (Eric and Dawn Mattfeld of Edgerton, MN). Seven granddaughters and three great granddaughters.

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