Collene Barnick

collene barnick
Collene C. Barnick, 79, Fargo passed away Monday, August 15, 2016 at Bethany Retirement Living, Fargo. Collene was born July 19, 1937 in Aberdeen, SD, to Clinton Gallagher and LaRayne (Sheleny) Gallagher. She moved to Moorhead at age 5. She attended St. Joseph’s school through the 8th grade. She attended and graduated from the Moorhead State Teachers School, “Campus School” in 1955. She married William (Bill) Barnick Jr., on June 29, 1957 at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Moorhead. She worked for the Telephone Company in the Accounting office for 5 years before having their first child and becoming a stay-at-home mom for all six of their children. Over the years, she worked side by side with her husband Bill in many business ventures including a cafe, a gas station, a snow removal business, Bill’s Parking Lots of Fargo and Grand Forks, and Pocahontas Resort in Ottertail County, MN. She enjoyed reading, crossword puzzles, old movies (The Sound of Music was her favorite), and spending time with family, friends, especially her grandchildren. The folks who stayed at Pocahontas Resort, which she operated for nearly 50 years with her family, were often her friends more than customers. She was a strong person with a heart of gold, a warm smile, and twinkle in her eye. She was the glue that held things together during tough times. The family expresses their thanks and gratitude to Collene’s sister Claudia Keeves for her kidney donation that gave us the last 27 years with our wonderful mother. Her quality of life was greatly improved by this kind and selfless donation from her sister. Collene is survived by her 6 children; Jeff (Sally), John (Liz), Janet, Joe (Cindy), Joy, Jennifer (Tom), brother, Howard (Janet) Gallagher, Moorhead, MN, sister, Claudia (Bob) Keeves, Tonawanda, NY, and grandchildren, Bill, Angela, and Kathryn. She was loved by all who knew her. We will miss her beyond measure. We now lay her down to rest in Gods loving arms. The funeral service will be held at 2:00 PM on Friday August 19, 2016, at Boulger Funeral Home and Celebration of Life Center Fargo with visitation starting at 1:00 PM.

View current weather.

Memories Timeline

Guestbook

  1. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Barnick family. We all have such fond memories of Coleen. She always had such a big smile on when we’d show up at the resort for vacation. Joy and Coleen have always been so welcoming! Coleen will be missed. God’s Blessings to you all.

  2. Sorry to hear of the loss of Collene! Our weekend camping memories will endure forever! Our thoughts and prayers are with you!!

  3. Deepest sympathy to all of you, our thoughts and prayers go out to you at this trying time in your lives. Collene will be missed by many,remember the good memories and be thankful she was a great part of your life. God bless you all!

  4. We will always remember Colleen’s kindness and graciousness. She was always so much fun to visit with. We have nothing but wonderful memories of our many, many years that were spent at Pocahontas Resort with all of you. Our deepest sympathies to all of you. Mike and Cheryl Zirnhelt and families

  5. Sorry to hear the news. Praying for the family during this time of loss.
    ((Hugs)
    Larry & Julie Scott
    Brittany & Trevor Nowatzke
    Derek Scott

  6. Forever in my heart, loved and missed.
    Sisters just seem to know how to brighten up each and every day!
    Love,
    Bob & Claudia

  7. We are so sorry for your loss. Our hearts are heavy, for your family. Frank, my husband, and I went through this earlier in the year. He lost his MOM in a very similar way. We understand the hole it leaves. Please know, we are keeping your family in our prayers, and ask GOD and HIS ANGELS to keep you in their EMBRACE.

  8. Aunt Cokie was such a kind, loving and caring person. Her smile brightened many hearts. When I think of the Fruits of the Spirit (Love, Joy, Peace, Kindness, Goodness, Patience, Gentleness, Forgiveness, and Self-Control), I believe Aunt Cokie had them all. So sorry for your loss. What a wonderful video tribute of special memories of your Mom!

  9. I’m at a loss for words as I sit here to write something comforting during this time of sorrow that hasn’t already been said by others. I watched the tribute video and was in awe as the memories of the few times in my life I visited came flowing back. The lake is where most my memories of Aunt Collenne are. I hope to make it up there again some day to reminense and put my toes in the water and have a Reese’s peanut butter cup from the bait store. Ok….ok….one of you is bound to laugh at that! She will be missed by all that knew her especially the family members. Please know you are all in my thoughts and prayers during this time. Rest in peace Auntie Co and tell Uncle Bill hello from all of us! Cindy

  10. The Barnick Family extends a heartfelt thank you to all our family and friends who supported us at this difficult time. So many people visited Collene in the hospital, at Bethany, and attended the memorial service. Many sent cards and flowers, or shared your kind words and positive thoughts.

    The folks at Hospice were outstanding as were all the people at Boulger who helped us put together a ceremony worthy or our beloved mother.

    We will all miss her, but we will have the memories forever.

  11. Grandma Collene,
    Sitting in bed with her reading me a story and drifting to sleep with the little green tassle guys that used to hang on the bedroom mirror and the tap tap lamp and waking up to the radio alarm clock listening to the music and the morning weather. Picking up sticks for quarters at Pocahontas to buy candy at the old time prices. Thanksgiving smells in the kitchen at her old house watching tv with no sound making up our own words. Playing piano in the office and sitting on her lap and looking at the rosebush outside. Her taking one bite of a cookie and putting it back in the container cuz shes full. Giving her a tree for her birthday which was planted right outside the main office door at Pocahontas. Taking pictures with Grandmas tree when she passed. Staying at Bethany over the summer taking turns being with her talking. Giving her a stuffed husky she twirled the whiskers on who now lives in my room with a little ribbon collar with her name and picture with the rabbit she brought me when I was in the hospital. Walking into a room and thinking, it smells like grandmas house and finding comfort in that feeling.


Sign the Guestbook, Light a Candle

Accessibility Tools
hide