Emily Hope ("Emma") Barnhart, 40, passed away peacefully at her home in Rochester on February 8, 2015, surrounded by family and loved ones after a long and valiant battle with cancer.

Emma was born December 12, 1974, to Bob and Rosi Braatz in Rochester. She attended Rochester Public Schools where she was very active in the music program, specifically the Southtown Singers. She also attended Winona State University.

On March 18, 1995, she married Kevin Barnhart of Apple Valley, MN, and they began a life of service and Christian ministry. Ultimately, they served as part of the SEND International Team in Ukraine before returning to Rochester in 2007 when Emma began treatment for cancer.  Kevin serves as lead pastor of Calvary Evangelical Church, and, as the pastor's wife, Emma was widely known and loved for her 'ministry of hugging'.

Emma was known for her gift of hospitality and was never more 'in her element' than when she was surrounded by those whom she could serve. She loved music and leaves a legacy that will live on in the hearts of all who knew her. She also loved camping, photography, horses, and family outings, whether it was an extended stay or a day trip to enjoy nature. Emma quite simply loved her life.

Emma is survived by her husband, Kevin; children – Mitchell, Alex and Grace; parents, Bob and Sandi Braatz (Rochester) and Rosi Braatz (Lakeville); sisters Melissa Jakobitz (Sleepy Eye, MN), Kristina Elseth (Washougal, WA), and Karrie Diggs (Chestertown, MD) as well as sixteen nieces and nephews and eight great-nieces and nephews. She will be lovingly remembered and deeply missed by them all.

The funeral will be at 11:00am, on Thursday February 12, 2015 at Autumn Ridge Church (3611 Salem Road SW) in Rochester with Rev. James Barnhart officiating.  A private burial will be in Oakwood East Cemetery in Rochester.  A visitation will be from 3:00pm-8:00pm on Wednesday evening at Calvary Evangelical Free Church (5500 25 ^th Ave NW) in Rochester and one hour prior to the service at Autumn Ridge Church.

Please direct any memorial contributions to Emma's family so they may donate to Emma's favorite charities.

Macken Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements and online condolences are welcome at www.mackenfuneralhome.com.