ALGONA — Barbara “Barb” Wempen, 75, of Algona, died October 30, 2026, at St. Mary’s Hospital in Rochester, Minnesota. An accounting professional and member of the Algona Garden Club, Barb enjoyed tending her flowers, traveling, spending time at the lake and finding another reason to go shopping.
Funeral services were scheduled for 10:30 a.m. Monday, November 2, at Trinity Lutheran Church, 520 N. Garfield St., in Algona. Visitation was scheduled from 2 to 5 p.m. Sunday, November 1, at the Trinity Lutheran Life Center at the same address. Evergreen Cemetery in Emmetsburg was designated as her final resting place.
Born Barbara Jean Opheim on September 10, 1951, in Emmetsburg, she was the daughter of Glenn and Margaret (Koekenhoff) Opheim. She graduated from Emmetsburg High School in 1969 and went on to work in accounting for several businesses throughout her career.
Barb’s interests brought color and activity to her life. Her flower garden was a source of enjoyment, and her membership in the Algona Garden Club connected her with others who shared that interest. She also belonged to Trinity Lutheran Church in Algona.
Travel and trips to the lake were among her favorite pursuits, along with caring for her dogs, chickens and peacocks. Her family’s obituary through Lentz Funeral Home gives particular emphasis to her enthusiasm for shopping, returning to it several times in an affectionate account of the things she enjoyed.
Barb is survived by her children, Dave (Kristi) Wempen of Adrian, Minnesota, and Jody (Tony) Cink of Wesley. She also leaves six grandchildren, Ella and Drew Wempen, Madelyn Groen, and Katelyn, Treyton and Carter Cink; and two great-grandchildren.
Her surviving family also includes her brother, Dan (Kim) Opheim of Cylinder, and sisters-in-law LuAnn Opheim of Emmetsburg and Debbie Opheim of Cylinder.
She was preceded in death by her parents; brothers, Gene and Dale Opheim; and nephew, Austin Opheim.
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