Barbara Jean Riemann

Barbara Jean Riemann, 75, of Fargo, ND, passed away surrounded by family after a brief illness on Friday, March 22, 2019 at Sanford Broadway Medical Center, Fargo.

Barbara was born on March 5, 1944 in Fargo, ND, the daughter of Hjalmer and Margaret (Arntson) Thorson. She graduated from Oak Grove Lutheran School in 1962. She then attended North Dakota State University, where she majored in zoology and music, and received her M.S. in zoology and biochemistry. During her time at NDSU, Barbara played in the Gold Star Marching Band, Wind Ensemble and Concert Band. She remained a loyal Bison fan for life.

Barbara spent the majority of her career as a research scientist with the U.S. Department of Agriculture, where she conducted research in the metabolism and radiation laboratory. This is also where she met her husband of 39 years, John. Barbara later served in the Fargo Cass Public Health Department in the environmental health division, and taught music lessons for many years.

Barbara’s passions were science, music, nature and family. Outside of her career, Barbara enjoyed playing clarinet in the Lake Agassiz Concert Band, where she was a founding member and played for over 30 years. She also loved playing in her clarinet quartet for special events around the community. Barbara enjoyed being out in nature and organized many family camping and hiking trips over the years.

She loved caring for her garden and appreciated all the little things in nature, including the birds that stopped by the feeder that she always kept filled. Barbara will always be remembered for her enthusiasm for helping others and her energetic commitment to all things she took on.

Barbara is survived by her loving husband, John; their daughter, Andrea (Geoffrey) Nudd of Atherton, CA, and son, Michael Riemann of Fargo, ND; sister, Nancy Anderson of Chino, CA; three grandchildren, Katherine, Henry and Thomas; and five nieces and nephews.