Barbara Jean (nee Clark, Markl) Donkers

Barbara Jean (nee Clark, Markl) Donkers, of Austin, Minnesota, passed away peacefully on November 21, 2025, at Sacred Heart Care Center.

Barbara Clark was born on September 25, 1941, in Morrow, Ohio, and later moved with her family to Toms River New Jersey, where she spent her childhood and formative years. In 1959, she met and married Irvin Markl, and together they began their family in New Jersey before eventually relocating to Sioux City, IA and later settled in Austin, MN. After Irvin’s passing, Barbara found love again and married Ralph Donkers in 1990.

 Throughout her life, Barbara worked a variety of jobs, including as a waitress, in laundry services at Sacred Heart, at McDonald's, and as a lunch attendant at Sumner Elementary School. Her time at the school and church was especially meaningful to her—she took great joy in helping the children during lunchtime and teaching Sunday school. 

Barbara had many passions that brought her happiness. She was an avid fan of Elvis Presley and the British royal family, and she loved collecting memorabilia and organizing her cherished collections throughout her home. She also enjoyed reading magazines about Hollywood stars and spending afternoons watching The Young and the Restless. 

Barbara loved spending time with her friends and treasured going out for coffee with her good friend Bev. She enjoyed getting her hair done by Paula and Connie. Barbara and Ralph relished their weekend getaways to shop, camping trips with friends, attending family events, and shared many wonderful trips to Las Vegas and Branson.

Barbara is survived by her husband, Ralph Donkers; her children, Deb (Ed) King, Dawn (Roger) Anderson, David Markl, Kim Donkers, and Amanda (Steven) Mensink; and her siblings, Ernie and Wanda. She is also lovingly remembered by her many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Barbara was preceded in death by her first husband, Irvin Markl; parents, Caleb Sr. and Ernestine Clark; her step-daughter, Lori Donkers; her granddaughter, HopeRose Joseph; and her siblings, Caleb, Linda, and Wilma. 

Barbara will be remembered for her feisty spirit and the joy she found in life’s simple pleasures. She will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her. 

The family would like to thank the compassionate staff at Mayo Clinic Health System in Austin and Sacred Heart Hospice for the excellent care and kindness they provided to Barb in her final weeks.

A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, November 29, 2025, at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Austin. Visitation will be at the church from 9:00 a.m. until the time of the service. Interment will be in Grandview Cemetery, Austin. Worlein-Hoff Funeral Homes of Austin are assisting the family with arrangements.