Barbara Downs
March 14, 1951 ~ June 10, 2026
Resided in: Fargo, North Dakota
Barbara Lynn Wangerud-Downs, 75, a dear mother, sister, aunt, and friend, passed away peacefully in her sleep on June 10, 2026, from Alzheimer’s disease at SMP St. Catherine Nursing Home in Fargo, ND.
She was born on March 14, 1951, in Sidney, MT, as the second child of Norman and Dorothy Wangerud. Barbara’s life was a testament to the love for her Lord through music and service.
Barbara grew up in Fairview, MT, in a family of seven. She was baptized and confirmed at Zion Lutheran Church. Her family life was filled with faith, love, music, singing, travel, camping, and fishing.
Barbara graduated from Fairview High School in 1969 and went on to attend the University of North Dakota in Grand Forks, majoring in music. It was there she met her husband, G. Travis Downs. They were married in May of 1973 for 32 years.
Barbara lived in many cities throughout her life – Grand Forks, ND; St. Paul, MN; St. Louis, MO; Cleveland, OH; Newman, CA; Ridley Park, PA; and Fargo, ND.
Barbara’s sons, Gregory and Michael, were born while she was living in Newman California.
Barbara’s life was filled with music. Her piano, organ, and voice were her instruments. She sang through Europe in high school in 1968 with the International Music Camp Tour Choir, a Senior Recital at UND, to New York City with the Cleveland Orchestra Chorus, Ragtime solos on the Goldenrod Showboat in St. Louis, and always in her many church choirs. While attending Immanuel Lutheran, she found a new love in playing the bells. When not doing music, Barbara worked as a paraprofessional in schools. She was an avid gardener and reader.
Barbara is survived by her sons, Michael and Gregory (Tamara); her grandchildren, John, Aidan, and Rose; her siblings Ken, Marti, and Sharon; her nephews and nieces; and her faithful college friend Gail Sollom. Barbara’s parents and brother, Roger, preceded her in death.
A memorial service to celebrate Barbara’s life will be held Wednesday, June 17, 2026, at 11:00 AM at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Fargo, ND, with Pastor Scott Johnson officiating.
Barbara will be buried next to her parents at Sunset Hills Cemetery in Bozeman, MT.
Go in peace, God be with you.
Go in peace, be at rest
With the saints and the angels,
Now you are free. Go in peace.
-Text: Sarah Hart, b.1968 and Dwight Liles, b.1957
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And with her son Michael. Peace and love guide you thru all your days.
I was very blessed to get to know Barbara when she lived in Ridley Park Pennsylvania. We enjoyed going into the city together. I am glad she is now at peace with our Savior Jesus Christ. I pray for Michael for comfort and peace. Mike you were a good son to your mother. You took care of her up until the end..God Bless you Mike…
Comforting hugs to Barb’s children and grandchildren. She had a fulfilling musical and spiritual life and will be missed, but I feel her death was a blessing. Godspeed, Barb.