Saying Good Bye to Lions Member, John E. Barrett
The Osseo Lions Club and the greater Lions District 5M-5 community mourns today for the passing of Lion John E. Barrett.
Lion John E. Barrett is remembered by the Osseo Lions Club as a humble, dedicated servant whose life reflected the very best of Lionism and community spirit. His fellow Lions and friends give thanks for his 53 years of service, beginning when he joined the Osseo Lions in October 1972, and for the many lives he touched in Osseo and the surrounding communities as a supportive member and advocate of the club.
A life of service
Born on August 4, 1930, John lived a full and generous life, passing away peacefully at the age of 95 on November 23, 2025. For many years he drove heavy equipment in road construction, bringing the same work ethic and reliability to his job that he later shared in his volunteer service. John also served his country faithfully in the United States Army for four years, a source of pride to both his family and his Lion friends.
A proud Osseo Lion
John became a member of the Osseo Lions Club in October 1972 and remained active and supportive for 53 years, faithfully promoting the mission and projects of the club. He regularly attended meetings and participated in activities for many years, remaining a steady presence in the life of the club until his health began to take a toll several years ago.
Even as attending meetings became difficult, he continued to quietly advocate for the Osseo Lions from behind the scenes, encouraging others to support its work in the community. His legacy within the club lives on through the many community initiatives he helped sustain over the decades and the example of faithful service he leaves for future Lions.
Family and loved ones
John was preceded in death by his wife of 56 years, Arleen (Unke), along with his parents, three sisters, a brother, and his beloved aunt, Jesse Barrett. He is survived by many nieces, nephews, grandnieces, and grandnephews, as well as numerous friends and neighbors who will miss his kindness and gentle humor. The Osseo Lions also extend heartfelt gratitude to the staff of Guardian Angels Engel Haus in Albertville for the loving care they provided during the last four years of his life.
Funeral and committal details
Funeral services for Lion John Barrett will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, November 28, 2025, at St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church, 9141 County Road 101, Corcoran, Minnesota, with visitation beginning at 12:00 noon, one hour prior to the service. Interment will follow at St. John’s Cemetery in Corcoran, with memorials preferred to St. John’s Lutheran Church in honor of John’s faith and values.
Invitation to share tributes
The Osseo Lions Club invites all who knew Lion John—family, friends, neighbors, and fellow community members—to share memories and words of tribute in his online obituary guestbook. Messages of remembrance may be left at https://www.evansnordby.com/obituaries/john-e-barrett, where his loved ones and Lions family can gather and reflect on the lasting impact of his life and service and leave a tribute to Lion John E. Barrett.
Here is a copy of the official obituary:
John E. Barrett, age 95, passed away peacefully on November 23, 2025.
Preceded in death by his wife of 56 years, Arleen (Unke); his parents; 3 sisters and a brother; and his beloved aunt, Jesse Barrett.
John drove road construction heavy equipment for most of his working career, was a proud member of the Osseo Lions for many years and served his country in the US Army for 4 years.
He is survived by many nieces, nephews and grand nieces, nephews, along with many friends. The family would like to thank the staff of Guardian Angels Engel Haus for the loving care the last 4 years.
Funeral Services will be at 1 PM Friday, November 28, 2025, at St. John's Evangelical Lutheran Church, 9141 County Road 101, Corcoran, with visitation 1 hour prior. Interment will follow at St. John's Cemetery.
Memorials preferred to St. John's Lutheran Church.
