Barbara K. Hans

Barb’s services will be livestreamed and viewable below at 7:00 p.m. Thursday, September 3 and 10:00 a.m. Friday, September 4, 2026:

In Loving Memory of Barbara K. (Bakkerud) Hans

With heavy hearts and countless cherished memories, we announce the passing of Barbara K. Hans, 74, who passed away peacefully on Sunday, August 30, 2026, at HIA Heather’s House in Fargo, ND. Barb was born on March 27, 1952, the daughter of Kermit and Mary (Lahren) Bakkerud. She was raised in Kindred, ND. Barb lived a life defined by determination, resilience, hard work, and unwavering love for her family and God. She married the love of her life, Jerome Hans, on November 7, 1970, beginning a partnership that would span more than 55 years.

Their son, Christopher, was born in December of 1976. Shortly after, Barb was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis. While many would have allowed that diagnosis to define them, Barb had other plans. She continued to work alongside Jerome on the farm, earning a reputation as one of the hardest working people around. In fact, many would tell you she could outwork a lot of the men in the area, and she’d probably have a few opinions to share about that.

Barb was the very definition of a farmer’s wife. After long days in the field, she could still be found in the kitchen making sure everyone was fed. Her home was famous for fresh cookies, cakes, buns, and meals hearty enough to satisfy a crew of hungry farmhands. Nobody ever left Barb’s table hungry. If they did, it was probably their own fault.

Barb also appreciated life’s simple pleasures: fresh linens off the clothesline, a clean house, a cold Diet Coke (caffeine free of course), a bag of Cheetos, and a good shopping trip. She never met a store she couldn’t browse or a bargain she couldn’t appreciate.

Of all the titles she held throughout her life, her favorite was Grandma. Barb never believed being a grandma was limited to her own grandkids. While she adored her granddaughters, Rylee and Rayne, she happily claimed countless others, too. If you walked through her door, you were one of Barb’s kids. She spoiled them with cookies, treats, shopping trips, and unconditional love. Many of them learned early that a visit to Barb’s house usually meant leaving with a full stomach, a little extra attention, and feeling like the most important person in the room. She loved every one of them, and they loved her right back. The memories and laughs they shared will always be special. She would have been so excited to be a great-grandma to Rayne’s little girl, due in December.

In December of 2011, Barb and Jerome moved to Fargo. Life brought another challenge in August of 2019, when Barb suffered a stroke that took away much of her independence. While the stroke changed many things, it never changed who Barb was. She continued to share her thoughts and observations.

Barb will be remembered for her fierce work ethic, her stubborn resilience, her generous heart, and the love she poured into her family. She taught those around her what it means to keep going when life gets hard, to care for the people you love, and to always make enough cookies for everyone.

She is survived by her devoted husband of 55 years, Jerome Hans; her daughter-in-law, Michelle Hans (Fargo); granddaughters Rylee Hans (Fargo) and Rayne (Zane) Smith (Laramie, WY); brother Allen Bakkerud (Fargo); brother-in-law Lowell Haring (Fargo); niece Linnea (Cory) Nelson (Wilmington, IL); and many other relatives and friends who will forever treasure her memory.

Barb was greeted in heaven by her parents; her beloved son, Christopher (2020) and grandson Drake (2013); and her sister, Linda Haring (2026).

We take comfort in imagining Barb now in a place with endless shopping unlimited caffeine free Diet Coke, party sized bags of Cheetos, and a kitchen where there’s always another batch of cookies coming out of the oven.

Her fields have been tended, the cookies are baked, and her work is complete. She will be deeply missed and forever loved.