Sheryl (Knutson) Barnes

Former Mankato resident, Sheryl (Knutson) Barnes, age 90, of Wasilla, Alaska, passed away peacefully on Thursday, March 26, 2026, in Wasilla.

Her memorial Service will be held at 2:30 p.m., Friday, May 8, 2026, at Mankato Mortuary. Immediately following the service, there will be time to visit with family and share favorite stories. Family Interment will be in Minneopa Cemetery, rural Mankato.

Memorials are preferred to Christ the King Lutheran Church Youth Program.

Sheryl was born on February 13, 1936, in Estherville, Iowa, to Ole and Grace (Peterson) Knutson.

Sheryl grew up in Dolliver, IA and graduated from the Dolliver Schools. Throughout her life, Sheryl remained close to her classmates. Following graduation, Sheryl attended the University of Minnesota and graduated with Mathematics and Spanish degrees. It was during her time at the University of Minnesota that she met her future husband, Linley Barnes. Sheryl and Linley were married on November 15, 1958, at the Methodist Church in Dolliver, IA.

Linley's service in the Army led them to Kansas where Sheryl taught math. Following Linley's Army service, Sheryl and Linley moved to Mankato where Sheryl was an active member at Centenary United Methodist and served as youth group leader for many years. Later, Sheryl worked as the Youth Director at Christ the King Lutheran Church.

Sheryl was passionate about her grandkids, leading Bible studies in Northern Minnesota, and planting/landscaping to the point where a pump had to be installed drawing lake water rather than well water.

Sheryl is survived by three sons, David Barnes and wife, Susan, of Wasilla, Alaska; Bruce Barnes and wife, Judie, of North Branch, Minnesota; John Barnes of Waseca, Minnesota; nine grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

Sheryl was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Linley “Lin” in 2020; her infant son, Bradley; and an infant brother, Russell.