Barbara "Barb" Wentink, age 66, of Rochester passed away December 17, 2011, at Madonna Towers Nursing Care Center.

Barbara Lawler was born November 3, 1945, in Rochester, MN to Robert and Patricia (Shandley) Lawler. Barb is the second of nine children: Patricia, William, Robert, Mary Lynn, John (Jack), Colleen, David, and Mark.

Barb graduated from Lourdes High School in 1963, completed her nursing degree from St. Marys School of Nursing in 1966, and worked as a Registered Nurse at St. Marys, Mount Sinai Hospital in Milwaukee, and Mayo Clinic upon her return from Milwaukee.

Although they met in second grade, Barb did not marry the love of her life, William (Bill) Stewart Wentink, until September 21, 1968, at St. Francis Church in Rochester. During their 43 wonderful years of marriage, Barb and Bill had four children, William (Bill), Robert (Bob), Amy, and Jean. Amy was diagnosed with leukemia and died at the age of 3, surrounded by the love of her parents and brothers.

In the years after Amy's death, Barb and Bill co-founded Northland House, which opened its doors to ill children and their families in 1980. Northland House later became chartered as the Ronald McDonald House of Rochester. Barb served as the first Housekeeping Chairperson of the Northland House, served on the Ronald McDonald House Board of Trustees from 1988 to 1990, and was a member of the House's Operations Committee.

Barb was involved in many school events, taught religious education, and was active in women's groups at St. Pius Church and the Church of Pax Christi. She was also a Cub Scout Den Leader, teacher's aide at St. Pius, and started her own business, Custom Knitting.

After raising her three children, Barb returned to school and graduated from Sister Rosalind Gefre's School of Professional Massage in 1997 as a nationally certified massage therapist. She started her second business, Caring Touch Therapeutic Massage; worked with Jenson Chiropractic out of Stewartville; and was an instructor, student mentor, and massage therapist at her graduating school.

Barb's true calling was as a mother to her four children, three foster children, and then as a grandmother to her four grandchildren: Riley, Lucy, and Will (Bill and Pam); and Mitchell (Bob and Jacqui). The time spent with her family is what she held most precious and was her favorite "job."

Barb also made time for her many interests: painting, photography, needlework, woodcarving, knitting, basket- and soap-making, bird-watching, gardening, reading, and her favorite – traveling. Barb and Bill traveled the world over, often with family or with their close-knit group of friends, known as the Card Club, due to 30 plus years of playing monthly games of 500.  Barb and Bill enjoyed living in Rochester, Milwaukee, WI; Boulder, CO; and Ridgefield, CT. She most enjoyed her time at two favorite places: a cabin on Fish Trap Lake in MN and a condo owned by the Card Club in North Redington Beach, FL. These were visited often and generously shared with everyone. Barb derived a lot of pleasure from being with and providing for her family and friends.

Barb was preceded in death by her daughter, Amy; mother; and brothers, Bill and John.

A Memorial Mass will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, December 21, 2011, at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church with Father James Russell officiating. Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery. A visitation will be held Tuesday, December 20, 2011, from 5:00pm to 8:00 p.m. at River Park Chapel at Macken Funeral Home and one hour prior to services at the church.

Memorials are preferred to the Madonna Living Community Foundation, the Ronald McDonald House, or charity of choice. Online condolences are welcome at www.mackenfuneralhome.com .