Barbara Lee Pakkala, age 88 lifelong resident of Virginia died Tuesday, October 1, 2024, at Essentia Health Virginia. She was born March 7, 1936, in Eveleth the daughter of William and Josephine (Rattinger) Raukar. She was a graduate of Roosevelt High School. Barbara married Thomas Pakkala on June 1, 1957, in Virginia. She was employed by P.S. Engman Agency, McDonalds, and DSGW. Barbara was a member of Holy Spirit Catholic Church, was a past president of the PTA, Little League concession manager, and Girl Scout leader. She was an avid reader, pet lover and owner, Twins fan, and loyal supporter of her grandchildren’s activities.

            Barbara is survived by children: Susan (John) Gerzina of Bayfield, WI, Richard (Edna) Pakkala of Collierville, TN, Sharon (Brian) Keute of Virginia, MN, and Robert (Kellie) Pakkala of Woodbury, MN; brother: Richard (MaryJo) Raukar of St. Petersburg, FL; grandchildren: Kristen Gerzina, Katherine Gerzina, Mary Jo (Bowe) Craine, Michael (Kaitlyn) Pakkala, Katlin Pakkala, Sarah Keute, Bill Keute, and Ann Pakkala; great grandchildren: Elijah Craine, Callie Pakkala, and Bennett Craine; extended family and friends.

            She was preceded in death by her husband: Thomas and her parents.

            A Memorial Luncheon will be held from 12:00p.m. - 2:00 p.m. on Monday, October 7, 2024, at Kunnari’s Kitchen in Virginia.  Private family services will be held.

            Memorials are preferred and may be directed to the Mesabi Humane Society.   Many thanks to the wonderful staff at Cornerstone Villa in Buhl for their excellent care.

            Family services provided by Bauman-Cron, A Bauman Family Funeral Home in Virginia. To share condolences online, please see: www.baumanfuneralhome.com.