Sue Lucille Barber

Sue Barber, 76, of Albert Lea, MN, passed from our sight on April 30, 2026. A memorial service will be held at 11 AM on Thursday, May 7 at Grace Lutheran Church in Albert Lea.

She was born on May 11, 1949, in Albert Lea to Kermit and Marie Gilbertson. Sue grew up in Albert Lea and attended Waldorf College, where she met the love of her life, William Barber. They were married at Grace Lutheran Church in Albert Lea on September 6, 1969, and spent the majority of their lives there, raising their three daughters.

Sue went on to join the travel industry, where she arranged dream journeys by land, sea, and air for so many, especially creating adventurous and memorable trips for her family. She traveled all over the world, with Alaska and Disney World holding a special place in her heart. Sue’s favorite place to travel was always wherever she happened to be at the time. She was the BEST tour guide and travel agent anyone could ever hope for.

Sue will be remembered as a loving and caring woman and a fierce supporter of her family. Her faith and love of God were central to her life. Sue found great joy in her church community. She was especially active in Teens Encounter Christ (TEC) and a dedicated supporter of Good Earth Village Camp (GEV). She was known for her quilting and sewing; making t-shirt quilts to adorn the Wheat Room at TEC. Not only did she enjoy the space that GEV offered, Sue always welcomed and encouraged the summer camp staff who were always treated as family.

She is survived by her husband Bill, her daughters Chris (JJ Teskey) of Blue Earth, Jen (Greg Schimek) of Stewartville, and Sarah of Savage, and her grandsons Ryan Schimek (Grace Meyer), Jacob Schimek (Lindsay Bergan) and Aaron Schimek. She is also survived by her siblings Lanae (Larry Thorstad) of Albert Lea and Steve Gilbertson of Alexandria, and by her in-laws Carolynn Gilbertson of Waseca, Tom Nelson of St. Peter, Larry Barber (Shelia), and Ginger Mottu of Colorado, along with numerous nieces, nephews, and great-nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her sisters Sandra and Linda (Nelson) of St. Peter, her brother Terry of Waseca, her sister-in-law Nancy Gilbertson of Alexandria, her father-in-law and mother-in-law Donald and Virginia Barber, and her brother-in-law Ted Mottu.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Grace Lutheran Youth of Albert Lea or Good Earth Village in Spring Valley in Sue’s memory.

Sue’s legacy of love, faith, and devotion to her family will live on in all who knew her.