Barbara Jackson Obituary

Barbara Jackson, 82, of Woodbury, Minn., died on Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2020 at St. John’s Northeast Hospital in Maplewood.
    Barbara was born April 4, 1938 at the University Hospital in Minneapolis to Barney John and Gertrude (Brown) Flueger.  She attended six elementary schools in New York, Minnesota and North Dakota.  She graduated from Lincoln High School in Lake City, where she attended all four years.  She played saxophone in band and swing band, sang in chorus and glee club, served on student council, was a member of the pep club and the library club.  She had the honor and opportunity to participate in Minnesota Girls’ State after her junior year to learn more about state and local government. She served as the senior class secretary, participated in the senior class play and speech class and was in the National Honor Society.  She attended two years of study at Gustavus Adolphus College in St. Peter, Minn. and transferred to the University of Minnesota, where she graduated in medical technology with a bachelor's degree with high distinction granted on June 13, 1959.
    On Sept. 17, 1960, Barbara married Carl Jackson at United Lutheran Church in Red Wing.  They had two sons, Bryan Arthur born in 1966 and Curt Allen born in 1971.
    Barbara worked at several places over the course of her career. These include the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, the University Hospital Labs in Minneapolis, Barberton Citizens Hospital and Pittsburgh Plate Glass, both in Ohio, St. John’s Hospital in St. Paul, Southwestern State College in Weatherford, Okla. and finally she retired in 2005 as chemistry supervisor for the Health East Hospital Systems in St. Paul.  This was a post she served in devotedly since 1987 at the system’s inception.
    Barbara was a member of Woodbury Lutheran Church where she taught Sunday school for several years as her sons were growing up.  She was also a Cub Scout den leader during that time.  She was a member of the American Association of Clinical Chemists and attended their national meetings and continuing education in various locations around the country.   She enjoyed the family’s summer home in Lake City, and fishing and traveling, especially to Cabo San Lucas, Alaska and Hawaii.  Some of her greatest adventures were traveling the world with her sister Gini, which included trips to Israel, Egypt, and Kenya.
    Barbara is survived by her husband, Carl; sons, Bryan (Kim) of Ellsworth, Wis. and Curt (Meghan) of Austin Texas; grandchildren, Justin, Margaret Ellen, Thomas and Luke Jackson; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; two brothers, John B. Flueger and Dale E. Flueger of Red Wing; sister, Betty Gisslen of Old Frontenac; and sister Gini Atkinson of Costa Mesa, Calif.  
    Barbara was a devoted wife and mother, fully committed to her family and huge circle of dear friends. She helped plan, organize and attended countless family gatherings, all of which she made wonderful through her thoughtfulness and kind spirit.  She will be missed by all who were blessed to know her.   
    A private memorial service will be held at the Mahn Family Funeral Home, Anderson-Peterson Funeral Chapel in Lake City. Burial will be at the Oakwood Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, friends and family may make memorial donations to either Woodbury Lutheran Church, 7380 Afton Road, Woodbury, MN 55125 or First Lutheran Church, 100 Peace Ridge, Lake City, MN 55041. Online condolences can be sent to www.mahnfamilyfuneralhome.com.