Barbara Masanz Obituary

Barbara Jean Masanz, age 92, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, July 8, 2025 at Crystal Brook, Park Rapids, MN.
Barb was born in Winger, MN on May 18, 1933, to Art and Edna Benson. She grew up in Erskine, MN and graduated from high school there in 1951. She then went on to attend Moorhead Teacher's College, where she earned her bachelor's degree in elementary education.
Her first teaching job was in Morris, MN, teaching 6th grade. There she met the love of her life, Ron Masanz. They married on Dec. 28, 1957, in South St. Paul, MN. Their five children were born in Morris, and they then moved to Moorhead, MN in 1967. Barb continued working in education until she retired in 1986.
Barb and Ron found their little slice of heaven on Potato Lake in 1967 making many memories, later making it their retirement home for the next 38 years.
She found joy in life with family and friends, her grandchildren, going to sporting events with Ron, Potato Lake, a good cup of coffee, long walks, reading and especially campfires.
Barb and Ron loved to travel, eventually visiting all 50 states. Their favorite destination was the North Shore of Minnesota. They also attended five Olympic Games in the U.S., Canada and Greece.
She is remembered for her gentle spirit, kind soul and as a second mom to many. She is survived by her husband Ron; children Liz (Craig) Bihrle, Park Rapids, MN; Bob Masanz, Moorhead, MN; Nancy (Jim) Krupich, Christine, ND; Pam (Paul) Coughlan, Mankato, MN; and grandchildren Laura (Marcus) Orrock and Danny (Machen) Bihrle; Ellie (Blake) Tobey and Sarah (Chris) Claussen, and Alia Coughlan and Tiara Coughlan; great grandchildren Farris and Dora Bihrle, and Zoey Orrock; sister Bonnie Benson, brother-in-law Dave Pfeiffer, and sister-in-law Sylvia Hylton and several nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents Art and Edna Benson, daughter Linda Masanz, and sister Betty Pfeiffer.
Memorials can be made in Barb's name to the Alzheimer's Association. When you are going for a long walk or sitting by a campfire, as she loved to do, think of an act of kindness to do for others, as Barb has done.
A Funeral Service for Barbara Masanz of Park Rapids at Calvary Lutheran Church in Park Rapids at 10:00 am with a visitation an hour prior on Friday, July 18. Burial will take place the same day at 3:00 pm at St. Joseph's Catholic Cemetery in Moorhead.
Funeral service will be live streamed at https://calvaryparkrapids.com/ https://vimeo.com/event/3910633
Arrangements are by the Cease Family Funeral Home of Park Rapids, MN.