Barbara Ann Walker

Barbara (“Barb”) Ann Walker died at Mid-Michigan Hospital Center on Tuesday Oct. 28, 2025. She was born on April 1, 1938, to Melvin and Emily Laingen of Odin, Minnesota, and married Lynn Charles Walker on June 5, 1960 in Odin.

Barb is survived by her husband of 65 years, Lynn of Midland, Michigan, sons Thomas Nathan (Carrie) of Traverse City, Michigan, Scott Christopher (Yukako) of Punta Gorda, Florida, Steven Lynn (Stephanie) of Northville, Michigan, and Gregory James (Sally) of Big Bear, California, as well as her precious three granddaughters, Madison of San Francisco, California, Claire of Ann Arbor, Michigan and Lilly of Chicago, Illinois.

Barb graduated from schools in Odin and St. James, Minnesota, and attended Mankato State College. She worked as an assistant teller at the First National Bank Mankato prior to her marriage. In Midland, she did volunteer work at the Hospital Gift Shop.

Lynn and Barb are well known in Midland for teaching ballroom dance through the Community Center for many years. After their teaching days were over, they continued to enjoy attending dances at the Senior Center and elsewhere. Barb and Lynn also loved hosting regular Pinochle nights at their home where they were known as fearsome competitors by their longtime friends. The holidays were a special time for Barb; she enjoyed decorating the house and welcoming their sons and family’s home to celebrate. There were always new decorations that she had made or collected throughout the year.

Barb was an enthusiastic quilter and made significant contributions to her church for distribution to the needy. She knitted many ‘premie’ hats for newborns in the Saginaw area and, despite having four sons, spent many years sewing Barbie doll clothes which she sold at the annual craft sale at the Midland Armory. Her craft efforts made her many close friends over the years.

Barb and Lynn attended Trinity Lutheran Church for many years. Barb’s wishes were that she be cremated and buried in the All-Saints Garden at Trinity. Her dearest friends were those she worshipped with and served.

Funeral services for Barb will be conducted at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday November 25, 2025, at the Wilson MILLER Funeral Home with Pastor Jeff Gramza officiating. Family will receive guests at the funeral home on Tuesday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service.

The family requests that memorials be directed to Trinity Lutheran Church.