Barbara Lynn Schliep, 77, passed away peacefully on September 18 ^th , 2015 at her home in Rochester.

Barb was born in Minneapolis, MN on June 9 ^th , 1938 to Francis X and Cecily K Helgesen.  She is survived by her loving husband of 54 years, Jerry P Schliep.

Barb spent her first two years of college at the College of St Benedict in Collegeville, MN.  There she met Jerry (attending St. Johns University) at the local ski hill.  After Jerry graduated in 1958 they moved to Minneapolis.  Barb completed her B.A. in Elementary Education from the University of MN.

Jerry and Barb were working in Minneapolis (he managing a golf course and ski area; and she working as a 2 ^nd grade teacher) when they decided to follow their passion and open a ski shop.  They moved their young family down to Rochester, MN in 1965 and opened Tyrol Ski & Sports that fall.  They operated and grew the business until 2003 when they sold it to their daughter and son-in–law. Many give them credit for introducing skiing and winter recreation to the area.

Barb was a sweet and loving person toward everyone she came in contact with; a wonderful wife, mother, sister and friend.  She had an open, vibrant, intelligent personality. Barb had a sense of adventure that took her and Jerry on many wonderful trips, including hiking in the Austrian Alps, bike touring in Tuscany and river rafting in Idaho.  The family has many fond memories of time together at their cabin near Grand Marais, MN and condo in Steamboat Springs, CO.  She enjoyed her many friendships made through tennis, swimming, book group and bridge.  Barb was a devoted Catholic.

Besides her husband Jerry, Barb is survived by her sister Stephanie Helgesen and brother Tim Helgesen (Jean), as well as three children:  Kristin Welch (Robb) of Rochester, Monica Schliep (Carrie Framsted) of Minneapolis, and Karen Schliep (Alan McEwan) of Bethesda, MD; and also by three grandchildren:  Monica Ruth, Alyson and Eric.  She was preceded in death by her parents.

A Memorial Mass will be held on Tuesday, September 22 at 12:30 PM at Holy Spirit Catholic Church 5455 50 ^th Ave. NW, Rochester, MN. with a visitation one hour prior to the service at the church on Tuesday.

The family offers heartfelt thanks to all of her caregivers, and especially to Jeanne Schuld who cared for mom with love and respect for 4 years.  In lieu of flowers, a donation in memory of Barbara may be made to Mayo Clinic Hospice.

Online condolences are welcome at www.mackenfuneralhome.com