Barbara Jean Zakariasen, age 76, of Grand Rapids MN, passed away peacefully Saturday, April 26, 2025, in Grand Rapids MN with her loving husband by her side.

Barbara was born in 1949 to Walter and Marjorie Kocemba in Minneapolis, MN. She attended and graduated St. Louis Park High School, where she was a swimmer and a Minnesota Viking Cheerleader.  She was married to David Zakariasen on the Friday after Thanksgiving, 1972 and together they went on many trips to Alaska, she even rode her own motorcycle over 3100 miles up the gravel road of the Alcan Highway. Barb and Dave chose to settle in Grand Rapids and raise their family while running a resort on Deer Lake. She will always be remembered as having a strong faith and a servant's heart. She formed lifelong connections with people, including guests that would return to the resort year after year. She enjoyed summer fish fries and going to quilting retreats with friends, although her projects didn't get much attention. People were always the most important thing to Barb wherever she was.

She was happiest when spending time with family, whether it be on amazing family trips where she visited all 50 states or going to watch her children play sports. She was diagnosed with stage 3 breast cancer in 1993, but didn't let that slow her down. She beat cancer for her family. She was determined to see her children and eventual grandchildren grow up. She loved to rock them to sleep, read books, and play in the sandbox with them.

As her grandkids came to age, she would pick up the mantle of athletic cheerleader, and theater goer. She loved to support and connect with her grandchildren in all of their endeavors.

She is preceded in death by her parents; brother, Fredrick "Fritz" Kocemba; her two grandchildren Jobe and Christopher; and her great granddaughter, Eliza.

She will be joyfully remembered by her husband, Dave; son, Troy (Kelly) Zakariasen; daughter, Gina (David) Vidmar; brother, Walter "Butch" Jr; as well as her grandchildren, Samuel (Martha); Ilie, Abe, Siri, Isaiah, Asher, Benny, Thomas, Zeke, Zak, Jed, Toby, Micah; her great-granddaughter, Eleanor; and many of her adored nephews and nieces.

A graveside service was held at Itasca-Calvary Cemetery in Grand Rapids, MN. A memorial service will be held Friday, May 23, 2025, at 2:00 PM at Grace Bible Chapel in Grand Rapids, MN with a visitation beginning at 1:00 PM.

Arrangements are with Rowe Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Grand Rapids, MN. To sign the online guestbook or send condolences visit www.rowefuneralhomeandcrematory.com.