Barbara Ann Tangren

Barbara (Retherford) Tangren, age 85, of Fridley, Minnesota, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, April 16, 2025, surrounded by family. A devoted servant of her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, she is now rejoicing in His presence. 

Born on September 5th, 1939, in Grantsburg, Wisconsin, Barbara was the daughter of Percy Guy and Dorothy Theresa Retherford. She grew up in Chisago City, Minnesota, graduating from Lindstrom-Center City High School in 1957. She married Elwood Tangren on July 11, 1959, and together they lovingly raised six children. 

Known for her kind heart and bubbly personality, Barb was a giving person, making all those she met feel appreciated and loved. She was creative and enjoyed doing crafts, especially with her grandchildren. Barb enjoyed going out to eat with friends and family, making frequent stops at garage sales along the way.

She loved attending Church and singing on Sundays at Grace and Truth Chapel in Columbia Heights, MN. She enjoyed volunteering as a clown at the church carnival every year, as well as helping with teaching at Bible Club and volunteering at Living Waters Bible Camp.

Barb is survived by her husband Elwood Tangren and her children: Brian (Shirley) Tangren, Denise (Neal) Heuss, Terri Imig, Kerri Grebe, Kathy (Mike) Babler, and Merrilee (Tim) Gild; her grandchildren: Scott (Emma) and Anne Tangren; Sara and Andrew Heuss; Derek (Emily), Vanessa, and Aaron (Samantha) Imig; Nikita Beutner, Amanda (Justin) Jawish; Kayla, Jeff, and Jacob Babler; and Savannah and Chloe Gild; her Great-grand-children: Alessandra, Stacy, Landon, and Daisy Imig; Ava and Paula Imig; and Leighton, Kinsley, and Colston Jawish, as well as many beloved nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her father, Percy Guy Retherford, her mother, Dorothy Theresa Retherford, her brother Bernard Retherford, and her sisters: Eleanor Gundlach, Inez Brown, Rosemary Omit, Marcella Hrach, Delores Reeve, Gloria Leonard, JoAnn Lee, and Yvonne Mitchel, as well as her son-in-law, David Imig.

A memorial will be held at Banquets of Minnesota, 6310 Highway 65 NE, Fridley, MN 55432, on May 30th at 1:00 p.m., with a service starting at 2:30 p.m.