Barbara Heyl

Barbara Josephine Heyl was born to Herbert C. and Josephine D. (Otto) Sprink in Lake Benton, Minnesota where she was raised and attended school.  She graduated from Lake Benton High School as the valedictorian of the Class of 1948.  On June 15, 1948 she was united in marriage to Arnold George Heyl, her kindergarten teacher.  They were married at St. John's Lutheran Church in Lake Benton.  Following their marriage, they lived in Lake Benton.  In February, 1957, they moved to Pipestone, Minnesota.  In 1975, she became the Activities Director for the Pipestone County Nursing Unit.  She continued in this job until 1981 when she became an employee for the State of Minnesota.  In January, 1983, she began working at the Southwestern Mental Health Center in Pipestone.  Her husband preceded her in death on September 23, 1985.  After his death, Barbara continued to work at the Southwestern Mental Health Center until her retirement in 1995.  She continued to live in her home in Pipestone until passing away peacefully there on Monday, May 29, 2023 at the age of 93.

Barbara was baptized on August 11, 1930 in Morgan, Minnesota; and she was confirmed on June 10, 1945 at St. John's Lutheran Church in Lake Benton.  She was an active member of St. Paul Lutheran Church in Pipestone, Minnesota, where she served as the financial secretary for many years.  She also led the Adult Bible Study.  She was an avid reader, she enjoyed playing bridge, and she like to spend time in her perennial garden.  She had a lifelong love of cats.  She was a member of the Garden Club in Pipestone.  In 1997, she became a member of the City Charter Commission.  She was also a member of the Pipestone Tree Board and the City Planning Commission.  Beginning in 2000, she was an elected member of the Pipestone City Council where she served three terms for a total of 12 years.

She is lovingly remembered by her children, Paul (Patti) of Wilmar, Minnesota, Mary Jo (George) Horner of Ridgeland, South Carolina, and Carla Heyl of West St. Paul, Minnesota; and 11 grandchildren.  She was preceded in death by her husband; parents; an infant son; sons, George and Derrick; daughter-in-law, Renee; granddaughter, Alisha Horner; sisters, Maria Meyer, Ruth Meyer, and Helena Stuart; brother, Robert Sprink; and an infant sister.

Memorials may be directed to one of the following organizations: St. Paul Lutheran Church Radio Broadcasting Fund, The Pipestone County Historical Society and Museum, or the Pipestone Performing Arts Center.