Barbara Lou Denkinger

Barbara L. Denkinger, age 82, of Hastings, passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on May 13, 2026, after a lengthy and hard-fought battle with cancer.

Barbara was born on July 17, 1943, in Rockford, IL, to Lester and Maurine (Travis) Johnson. She was one of five children and spent much of her childhood moving to many different places before graduating high school in Duluth. In time, Barbara settled in Hastings, Minnesota, where she built a life centered around family, adventure, and making memories with those she loved most.

Barbara was blessed with three children, Deb, Mike, and Mitch. She loved camping with her children and spending time boating on the St. Croix and Mississippi Rivers. Barb had a youthful, positive, and fun-loving spirit that drew people to her. She enjoyed staying active and especially loved downhill and cross country skiing, golfing, sewing (known for her "Santa Hats" that adorned family dining chairs each Christmas), hiking in Northern MN, Tucson, and Colorado, and spending time in nature. She possessed a green thumb and every spring looked forward to planting a garden and vibrant flower beds, window boxes and pots along with help from her husband Chris.

In 1991, Barb met the love of her life, Chris Denkinger, and the two were later married in the "Serenity Now" garden at their home on a beautiful fall day. Together they built a life filled with travel, fishing trips, RV adventures, ATV rides with their labs, evenings around campfires, gardening, and making countless memories together. They especially treasured their winters in Tucson where they enjoyed hiking, golfing, and evening golf cart rides together, often with a beer in Barb's hand and a smile on her face.

She was very social and enjoyed spending time with a group of girlfriends who referred to themselves as the "Cowgirls". Special experiences with this group included hiking and skiing in the mountains, a European bike & barge adventure, and skiing trips to Lutsen, which is where she met Chris, who was also there skiing with friends.

Barb enjoyed being a grandmother and could be found attending a variety of sporting events, hosting family gatherings, and instilling traditions and life lessons her grandchildren will forever cherish.

Barb was known as a hardworking and dedicated woman. She spent most of her career working for Met Council Environmental Services in Hastings before retiring in 2008.

Barbara is survived by her loving husband, Chris Denkinger; children, Deb (Brad) Baune, Mike (Lynette) Grondahl, Mitch (Tina) Grondahl, Ben (Jana) Denkinger, and Andrew Denkinger and his partner, Michelle Binn; grandchildren, Tyler, Katie, Geoff, Maya, Kenzie, Vaughn, and Beck; great grandchild, Jennings; siblings, Mark and Jane; along with many nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends. She leaves behind a legacy of unconditional love, wisdom, and a joy-filled spirit.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Lester and Maurine; and siblings, Diane and Bob.

The family wishes to extend their deepest gratitude to Chris Denkinger for the tireless, compassionate, and unwavering care he provided throughout Barb's long cancer journey.

A Celebration of Life will take place on Monday, June 8, 2026 at Starkson Family Life Celebration Chapel, 3075 Vermillion St, Hastings, MN 55033. Visitation will be held from 12:00 p.m. until 1:30 p.m., with a memorial service beginning at 1:30 p.m. Reception to follow, with burial at Lakeside Cemetery following the reception.