Barbara Ann Walker, nee Volkmar was born in St Louis Park, Minnesota, on August 6th, 1947, to Robert Volkmar and Patricia Scott Volkmar. She grew up in St. Louis Park, MN. She passed away after a long battle with Multiple Myeloma and COPD at Traditions of Frederic on August 30, 2025.

Barb’s love for animals, and especially for birds, inspired her and her brother, Richard, to adopt and care for more than a few baby birds while growing up. As an adult, she was one of the first employees of the Raptor Center at the University of Minnesota. She worked for years there and became an educator for the Raptor Center, traveling many miles to teach others about Eagles, Hawks, and Owls. She was later employed by Interstate Park in St Croix Falls, and there, too, taught hundreds about nature, especially raptors. She had the opportunity to raise and use raptors in her educational programs, and had fond memories of caring for them. Additionally, Barb had passion for Rottweilers, owning and cherishing many throughout her adult years.

For over twenty years, Barb lived in Clam Falls, Wisconsin. Barb was preceded in death by her Dad, Robert; her Mother, Patricia; and her Brother, Richard. She is survived by close friends, Sue Ames-Lillie and Sherman Lillie, Nancy Nelson, and Vicki Gansky; and her dogs, Raven and Pippin; and parrot, Chica; as well as many other human friends.

Barb was a volunteer at Winged Freedom Raptor Hospital in Spooner, a member of Friends of Crex in Grantsburg, and donated to many wildlife groups.

At her request, there will be no service. She requested that donations be made in her memory to: Winged Freedom Raptor Hospital by mail at PO Box 493, Spooner, WI 54801 or online https://www.wingedfreedomrh.com/make-a-donation/; or to St Croix Hospice by mail at St. Croix Hospice, Attention Compliance Department, 7755 3rd St N, Suite 200, Oakdale, MN 55128.

Last Update: Sep 09, 2025 9:14 am CDT