ST. ANSGAR — Barbara Jean Groth, 87, of St. Ansgar passed away Monday, July 27, 2026, at the Good Samaritan Home in St. Ansgar, leaving behind a remarkable legacy as a devoted educator, loving wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother whose influence touched generations of families throughout Mitchell County.
Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Friday, July 31, 2026, at Immanuel Lutheran Church in St. Ansgar with Pastor Mark Squire officiating. Visitation will begin at 9 a.m. Friday at the church. Burial will follow at Immanuel Lutheran Cemetery, with a luncheon to be served afterward. Memorials may be directed to Immanuel Lutheran Church or St. Croix Hospice in Barbara’s memory.
Barbara Jean Novak was born Feb. 12, 1939, to Louis and Myrtle Novak. She was baptized and confirmed at Our Saviors Lutheran Church in Osage and grew up in Mitchell, where she graduated from high school in 1955 as one of just seven students in her graduating class.
Some of Barbara’s happiest childhood memories were spent with her grandparents, Tom and Ina Thompson, along the Cedar River. She loved swimming, fishing and enjoying the outdoors, passions that remained with her throughout her life.
Growing up, Barbara also developed a strong work ethic while helping on her family’s vegetable farm near Grafton, where cabbage and squash were raised. She learned to drive a 1939 John Deere tractor at an early age and proudly helped transport cabbage cutters through the fields, an experience that became a cherished part of her family’s history.
On June 1, 1958, Barbara married Paul Groth at the Lutheran Church in Grafton. Together they built a life on a farm northeast of St. Ansgar, where they raised their three children, Carrie, Lori and Steven before moving into St. Ansgar in 1999.
Education became Barbara’s life’s calling. After attending Luther College, she earned her teaching degree and began what would become a 38-year career with the St. Ansgar Community School District. While teaching full time, she continued her education through summer and evening classes before completing her four-year degree from Upper Iowa University.
Barbara spent most of her career teaching third grade, helping countless children develop confidence, curiosity and a love of learning. Even after retirement, she continued serving local students as a guest teacher for several more years, a testament to her dedication to education and the community she loved.
Faith also played a central role in Barbara’s life. She and Paul were faithful members of Immanuel Lutheran Church, where she participated in Naomi Circle. She also enjoyed many years of friendship through the Stitch and Chat Club.
Outside the classroom, Barbara found joy in life’s simple pleasures. She loved tending her garden, taking walks, mowing the lawn and spending as much time outdoors as possible. Her gentle spirit, steady kindness and willingness to serve others made her a treasured friend and neighbor.
Barbara’s greatest pride was her family. She delighted in watching her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren grow, celebrating each new chapter of their lives with love and encouragement.
She is survived by her children, Carrie (Roger) Mayer, Lori (Kevin) Hackenmiller and Steven (Connie) Groth; nine grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; her sister, Susan Novak; along with many nieces, nephews and extended family members.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Paul Groth; her parents, Louis and Myrtle Novak; and her sisters, Judy Champion and Cynthia Novak, who died in a tragic automobile accident at the age of 18.
Barbara will be remembered not only for the thousands of students whose lives she helped shape, but also for the compassion, humility and quiet strength she demonstrated every day. Her love of family, faith, education and community leaves a lasting legacy that will continue to inspire all who had the privilege of knowing her.
Hoff Celebrations-Schroeder Chapel of St. Ansgar is assisting the family with arrangements. To read more and see the full obituary, please click here.
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