Honoring Barb’s Big Heart: A tribute to love, loss and the power of organ donation

Randy and Barb’s story began in 1982, when they both worked for the American Dairy Association of Minnesota. Randy, the communications director, and Barb, a home economist, instantly clicked. Their professional relationship blossomed into a personal one, and they married in 1996. Over the years, they built a life together in Stillwater, where they became active in their community and established a deep sense of belonging. As an ode to their shared work, Randy affectionately nicknamed Barb “Dairy Ann,” and together they published a column in the local monthly newsletter called “Dollops from Dairy Ann,” filled with recipes, life advice and heartfelt notes.  

In August of 2023, Barb was visiting her mother in Winona when she suffered a fall that led to a traumatic brain injury. Despite the efforts to save her, Barb passed away, leaving Randy, her family and their community devastated.

Barb was known for her warmth and her incredible generosity of spirit. Randy fondly remembers her as “perfect,” a woman with a heart as big as her personality. She had a natural ability to make everyone feel special, and she was beloved by her friends and family.

But above all, Randy describes Barb as a person who lived with a deep sense of compassion. “I will never know someone with as big as [Barb’s] heart,” he says.

In the midst of his grief, Randy learned that Barb had made the decision to become a tissue donor. Barb had discussed her decision with her family, making sure they knew her wishes—but Randy had not been aware. This revelation was bittersweet for him. “I’m so happy she did donate,” Randy says, reflecting on the profound impact Barb’s choice has had on others. “It’s beauty through the pain.”

Through LifeSource and Lions Gift of Sight, Barb became a tissue and eye donor, offering a lifechanging gift to those in need. Randy now speaks out about the importance of organ donation, a cause that has taken on new significance in his life.

The legacy of “Barb’s Big Heart”

In the months following Barb’s death, Randy sought ways to channel his grief into something meaningful. Something inside him clicked when he saw an opportunity to sponsor the Hospitality Tent at the World Snow Celebration, hosted in Stillwater. Randy immediately reached out to the Stillwater Chamber of Commerce and LifeSource – eager to support the 2025 event, honor Barb’s generous spirit and share the importance of organ donation.

Randy explains he never fully understood organ donation until it became part of his own journey. “I’m telling everybody who’ll listen about the impact of organ donation,” he shares, noting that he’s heard personal stories from others in Stillwater who are alive today because of the selflessness of donors. Randy’s grief has been all-encompassing, but he has found solace in knowing that Barb’s legacy lives on through her decision to donate. “Grief is when love has nowhere to go,” Randy reflects, quoting a saying that has helped him navigate his pain.