Barbara Cook, 75 of Sioux Falls, SD, went to be with the Lord on Wednesday, September 30, 2026, at the Dougherty Hospice House.

Visitation with the family present will be from 9 to 10 am with a Celebration of Barb's Life beginning at 10 am on Friday, October 9, 2026, at the First Evangelical Free Church, 2601 W 69th St, Sioux Falls, SD 57108.

Barbara Jean Kruger, daughter of Margaret Kruger, was born on March 19, 1951, in Rochester, MN. After her mother passed at a young age, Barb was raised by her parents Dale and Donna Peters in Worthington, MN. She graduated from Worthington High School in 1969 and attended Worthington Junior College where she received her degree in 1971. She moved to the Minneapolis, MN area to study nursing at Mounds-Midway School of Nursing and went through paramedic training at Ramsey Hospital. While working toward her paramedic certificate, she also worked full-time at the Metropolitan Medical Center from 1972-1975 as a dialysis tech. She moved to Sioux Falls, SD in 1975 to begin working in the field of emergency medical services for Sioux Falls Ambulance; Barb was proud to be one of the first female paramedics in the state of South Dakota.

Barb had plans to attend Washington State University for Physician Assistant school but instead felt called to prioritize family life. She stayed in Sioux Falls where she married and raised three sons. She found great joy in being a mom and lived an active lifestyle hiking with the boys, biking, and walking. Barb retired from her job as a paramedic in 1983.

In recent years, Barb was a member of First Evangelical Free Lutheran Church and was involved in many faith-filled activities. She helped women in Prison Ministries, Stephen Ministries, and the Elizabeth House. She enjoyed reading and was an avid collector of books. She spent many afternoons in book clubs, bible studies, and laughing with friends. Barb loved being a grandma and watching her five granddaughters grow up. She felt immensely loved by her dear friends, church family, and life with Jesus.

Grateful for having shared her life are her sons Ben (Amanda) Cook, Piedmont, SD; Nick (Megan) Cook, Sioux Falls, SD; brother Ivan (Gloria) Kruger, Minnetonka, MN; granddaughters Gracelyn Cook, Sioux Center, IA; Madelyn and Carlee Cook, Sioux Falls SD; Mycha and Claudia Cook, Piedmont, SD; special nephew Jamie (Randi) Kruger and their sons Tyler & Ryan, Minnetonka, MN; and many other relatives and friends.

Barb was preceded in death by her mother, Margaret Kruger, parents Dale and Donna Peters, and son, Jason Cook.