Marie Barker
Jun 12, 1937 -
Oct 16, 2026
Marie Ellen Barker (Heman) passed away on Oct. 16, 2026, at the age of 89, at Woodland Hills Senior Community in Hudson, Wis., where she resided the last two years of her life.
Marie was born in Britton, S.D., to Kenneth and Violet Heman. She grew up in Minneapolis, Minn., attending North High School and later the University of Minnesota earning a Bachelor of Science degree. After graduating from college, Marie worked a few years as a jewelry buyer for Donaldson's Department Store, often traveling to New York on buying trips. An opportunity to become a teacher took her to Lansing, Mich., where she taught grade school and attended night classes to attain her master's in teaching from the University of Michigan. After graduating in 1969, Marie and a friend pulled a travel trailer up the Alcan Highway to Anchorage, Alaska. This was quite a feat as neither woman knew how to back up a trailer. For 1500 miles, pull-through camping spots were a must! Arriving in Anchorage, Marie taught at Wonder Park.
One night, a friend suggested Marie join him and a visiting salesman for dinner. Teaching salaries being rather low, Marie quickly agreed to join them for a free dinner. And six months later, handsome Randell Barker became Marie's husband. Marie moved to his home in Lomita, Calif., and helped raise his two young sons: Tim and Scott. There, Marie again attended night classes and earned a Special Education certificate at the University of California. Eventually, Marie convinced Rande and the boys to move to Anchorage, where they bought a lovely hillside home, and Marie resumed teaching. She taught Special Ed at West High and Stellar and was the Special Ed department chair at Romig Jr. High. Marie was a talented, compassionate and effective Special Ed teacher and counselor. After retiring from the Anchorage School District, Marie taught part-time as a teacher at a Providence residential program for abused girls. Her quiet manner and innate talent for sensing others' feelings made her an asset to the program and a trusted friend to the girls.
After 15 years of marriage, Rande died of a brain tumor. It was then that Marie took up cruising and eventually ballroom dancing. Rarely did a Princess Cruise ship leave a dock without Marie on board. She traveled to China, the Caribbean, Mexico, Europe, the Panama Canal and sailed through all five Great Lakes. She traveled with trunks of beautiful gowns and jewelry. She enjoyed the formal dinners, the shows, dancing, massages and hairstylists! Traveling with Marie was fun; she made friends wherever she went and was always up for an adventure; she even rafted the Grand Canyon for seven days! But of all the places she traveled, Alaska was home and she loved it. Her La Honda townhome overlooked Fish Creek, and she spent many hours watching the frequent visitors: seagulls, moose, foxes and bears. There was a tree close to her window where seagulls nested. Marie, with her strong binoculars, came to consider herself an authority on seagull sex.
But most of all, Marie loved to dance. She began taking ballroom dance classes in her 50s. She was remarkably graceful and poised, and she possessed a natural rhythm. Her already large circle of friends increased even further when she joined the dance community. She attended many out-of-state dance camps. Once at a dance camp in San Diego, Calif., where many Asian students were in attendance, Marie, blond, big-boned and nearly six feet tall, initially felt self-conscious. Her companion remarked, "Marie, you could be the tallest, blondest lady they've ever seen. Let's ask if they want a picture with you." They did, and Marie graciously held her arms out above their heads for a group picture. All of them - Marie included - giggling as the picture was taken. Many friends' children also appreciated Marie's willingness to be the World's Tallest Easter Bunny, a convincing Santa Clause and Glinda the Good Witch, where she amazed, and possibly frightened, small children at a Wizard of Oz singalong!
Marie continued her love of dance even when confined to a wheelchair. At Woodland Hills, where she last lived, Marie organized a New Year's Eve dance. She started by appealing to the staff. "These old people want to dance!" she'd say to the activities director. And she kept saying it sweetly to her week, after week, after week. New Year's Eve arrived at Woodland Hills and so did a disc jockey, a glittering light ball and refreshments. Marie's brother, Neil, swung Marie around the dance floor in her wheelchair in time to the music, and Marie coaxed many formerly reluctant dancers onto the floor. It was a joyful evening. At the end of the dance, Marie was presented with a plaque thanking her for bringing New Year's cheer to Woodland Hills.
In 2018, Marie moved to Stillwater, Minn., to be close to family. There, she enjoyed Friday night dinners and card games with brother Neil's family especially enjoying her nieces and nephew.
Marie is survived by her brother, Neil (Kathy) Hemen; sister, Cynthia Christie; nieces, Katie (Brian) Haupt, Elizabeth (Ron) Newman and Jennifer (Chris) Van Tassel; nephew, Brian (Kailee) Christie; many great-nieces; a great-nephew; and stepsons, Scott and Tim Barker. She was preceded in death by spouse, Randell; parents; and nephew, David Christe.
A celebration of life was held on Nov. 7, 2026, at Woodland Hills Senior Community.
Marie's ever-present positive attitude and smile will be greatly missed.
