434 Karen Way, Unit F, Woodbury, MN 55129, USA
In Loving Memory of Our Classmates
It is with heartfelt sorrow that we remember and honor the classmates we have lost over the years. To the families and friends of our fellow Rams, we extend our deepest sympathies and prayers. Whether we knew them closely or simply shared hallways and classrooms together, each member of the Class of ’79 played a role in shaping who we were during some of the most formative years of our lives. Every smile, friendship, shared class, practice, or conversation left an imprint—sometimes in ways we may not have fully realized at the time. Each life mattered, and each life made a difference.
As we continue to preserve the history and spirit of our class, we kindly ask that if you have information about any classmates who have passed away and are not yet listed on our memorial page, please contact us.
It is important to us that every member of the Class of ’79 is remembered and honored appropriately. Thank you to all our alumni for the care, compassion, and support you continue to show one another. Your thoughtfulness helps keep our class connected in meaningful ways.
Remembering Barbara Kay Thompson Kirkpatrick
It is with profound sadness that we share the tragic passing of our dear friend and classmate, Barbara Kay Thompson Kirkpatrick, who passed away peacefully on January 19, 2026, in North Oaks, Minnesota, at the age of 63.
Barb was born on January 20, 1962, in Minneapolis, MN, and adopted just days later. As a young child she lived in Cali, Colombia, before spending her high school years in Roseville, MN, where she graduated with us from Alexander Ramsey High School in 1979. During her time at Ramsey, Barb was an outstanding athlete, competing in track and field and playing volleyball. She continued her education at the University of Minnesota Morris and later at the University of Minnesota in Minneapolis.
In the fall of 1984, while working at Atwood Larson Co. in the Minneapolis Grain Exchange, Barb invited a business associate to a social gathering on Lake Minnetonka. Within months, that invitation led to a lifelong love story. On January 26, 1985, Barb and Craig Kirkpatrick were married at Roseville Lutheran Church, beginning a beautiful partnership that would span more than four decades.
At just 29 years old, Barb was diagnosed with her first cancer—a diagnosis that would alter the course of her life. After recovering, she stepped away from the business world and dedicated herself to serving others. In 1991, she began volunteering with the American Cancer Society, helping patients locate critical resources and later spearheading the formation of the Community Connection Program to provide outreach and assistance to those battling cancer.
Barb’s passion for community service extended to becoming a Community Affairs Officer with the Ramsey County Sheriff’s Department, where she volunteered extensively and built lasting friendships. Her love of gardening blossomed in her North Oaks home, where she designed stunning flower and vegetable gardens, created a water garden to attract birds, and ultimately became a certified Master Gardener through the University of Minnesota. She volunteered countless hours leading the Ramsey County Diagnostic Clinic, sharing her knowledge generously. Her garden was featured in the Pioneer Press and included in charity garden tours.
Her love of history led her to over 20 years of involvement with the Hill Farm Historical Society, where she most recently managed and oversaw their website. Later, inspired to create a lasting gift for Craig, Barb immersed herself in genealogy, completing advanced coursework—including DNA genetic genealogy—and volunteering as a researcher with the Minnesota Genealogical Society, assisting clients from around the world.
Barb also had a deep love for rescued toy poodles and often joked that she would have welcomed ten rescue puppies into her home—if only she had more arms.
Throughout her adult life, Barb faced numerous cancer diagnoses. Advances in genetic testing eventually revealed that she had Li-Fraumeni Syndrome, a rare genetic condition that predisposed her to multiple cancers. Over her lifetime, she courageously battled eight primary cancers. Through it all, she remained a loving wife, an exceptional cook and baker, and someone who truly “scattered joy” wherever she went. Barb and Craig were true soulmates, sharing global travel adventures and a life centered on love and companionship. She lived fully, bravely, and generously.
Barb is survived by her husband, Craig Kirkpatrick of North Oaks, MN; her brother Curt Thompson (Jodi) of Minneapolis, MN; her sisters Mink Reiter (Michael) of Worden, MT; Loy Koch (Tim Radle) of Missoula, MT; and Shelly Rowden (Scott) of Auburn, WA; brother-in-law Alan Kirkpatrick of Tower, MN; sister-in-law Gayle Kirkpatrick (Norman) of Raleigh, NC; along with many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; her brother Brad (Sherry) of Ellijay, GA; and her sister Honey Koch of Billings, MT.
Barb’s life will be celebrated with a ceremony at 10:00 AM on Friday, April 17, at Lakewood Cemetery Chapel in Minneapolis, MN. Doors will open at 9:30 AM. Interment will follow the ceremony, and a Send off reception will be held from 12:00–3:00 PM at the Lakewood Cemetery Garden Mausoleum. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to Picket Fence Poodle Rescue or Living LFS – Li-Fraumeni Syndrome.
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The world was brighter because Barb was in it. Her strength, kindness, service, and love will never be forgotten. We extend our deepest condolences and prayers to Craig and her entire family. May we honor her memory by carrying forward the joy and compassion she so freely gave to others.