Arlene Mary (Mach) Barnhart, age 76, of Afton, Minnesota passed away peacefully at home on May 13, 2026.

Arlene was born October 29, 1949 in Moose Lake, Minnesota to Edward and Stella Mach, and was raised on the family farm in Sturgeon Lake, Minnesota.  She graduated from Willow River High School Class of ’66 before leaving to work in her lengthy career at 3M in St. Paul, Minnesota.  Arlene met the love of her life, Jim Barnhart while working with him at 3M.  They lived in Stillwater and Afton areas their entire lives.  Arlene additionally received a Bachelor’s Degree, with honors, from the College of St. Catherine in St. Paul.

Arlene was preceded in death by her brother in-law, Howard (1993); father, Edward in 1998; mother, Stella, 2012; and her brother, Timothy passed just 5 days after her on May 18,2026.

Arlene is survived by her loving husband of 54 years, Jim Barnhart.  Arlene has seven surviving siblings:  Connie, Dorothy, Janet, Jim, Karen, John, and Kathy and numerous nieces and nephews.

Mass of Christian burial will be on Saturday, June 13, 2026 at 11:00 am at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church in Lake St. Croix Beach, Minnesota where she and Jim have been long time parishioners.  The family will receive visitors from 10:00am until the time of service.  Arlene will be buried at a later date in the St. Isidore’s Cemetery in her home town of Sturgeon Lake, where her parents are also interred.