Byron “Eanie” Barber, age 88, passed away peacefully surrounded by his beloved family on Monday, June 23, 2025, at his home in Plymouth, Minn.

Byron was born in 1937 in Exeland to first generation Scottish immigrants, James and Elizabeth Barber. 

Byron leaves behind his loving wife of over 61 years, Vivian “Pip”; daughter, Renee (Phillip) of Princeton, Minn.; son, Brian (Tracie) of Ladysmith; 12 grandchildren, Joshua Barber, Elizabeth (Steve) Denison, Kirsten Poppenhagen, Zachery Barber, Austin Barber, Tyler Barber, Karissa Poppenhagen, Elijah Barber, Gracie Barber, Isaiah Barber, Rejinna Barber and Josiah Barber; seven great-grandchildren, Eden, Enoch, Isaac and Judah Denison, Psalm Barber and Khyrie and Dior Barber; four sisters, Irene Hill of Clinton, Gloria Skalbeck of St. Paul, Minn., Judy (Gary) Lundquist of Cumberland and Joyce (Dan) Cicha of Glen Flora and a multitude of beloved nieces, nephews and friends. 

He was preceded in death by his parents; four sisters; one brother and his precious son, Craig.

After graduating from Tony High School in 1954, he moved to Minnesota for work. There, he married the love of his life and started their family. His impressive work ethic and dedication earned him a very lucrative job offer. However, after his father’s death, they decided to honor his mother’s request to move back to Wisconsin and help run the family dairy farm. Many years of honest hard work turned a small family farm into one of the most successful dairy operations in the neighborhood. After raising his family and retiring from the dairy life, Byron found profound joy in working as a greeter when Walmart opened in Ladysmith. For 10 years, he was the smiling face at the door, Santa’s helper, and Easter bunny ready to high-five and pose with every little (and not so little) upon his lap.

Upon his second retirement, they relocated to Eau Claire and then the pandemic prompted them to move to Minnesota to be with their daughter and family. Health issues lead them to a very special small home-based care facility, Solbakken, in Plymouth, Minn. A very special thanks to the loving and caring staff at Solbakken.

Byron enjoyed many things including fishing the Jump River, hunting with family, westerns, Johnny Cash, bird watching, gardening, sharp cheddar cheese, teaching his grandkids multiplication tables, sports, sports trivia and especially the Green Bay Packers!

A celebration of Byron’s life will be held Saturday, July 19, at Sheldon Church of Christ with Pastor Jeremy Allard officiating. Visitation starting at 9 a.m. with service at 11 a.m. with lunch to follow. At Byron’s request, all are encouraged to wear your favorite sport team apparel. Even if it isn’t green and gold!