Date of Death: July 8, 2023
Service Details
Visitation will be held Saturday, August 5, 2023 at 10:00 a.m. at First United Methodist Church, 215 N. Main St., Three Rivers, until the time of her memorial service at 11:00 a.m. at the church with Pastor Tim Raakman officiating. Following a luncheon, she will be laid to rest at Riverside Cemetery. Family and friends attending the memorial are encouraged to bring recipes that Barbara shared with them, to add to a display.
Obituary Notice
Barbara Elizabeth (Hiemstra, Norton) Tokarski, age 92, of Three Rivers, passed away peacefully on Saturday, July 8, 2023 at Edgewood Health and Rehabilitation Center.
Barbara spent her early years in Cass and St. Joseph Counties and graduated from Three Rivers High School in 1949. She was part owner of the then Windmill Restaurant but also worked in many restaurants around the area before her retirement.
Barbara was a loving wife to Leon and an amazing mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, caring for, supporting and teaching all her fantastic recipes and many life lessons while bringing joy at beautifully planned and shared get-togethers for birthdays, holidays and much more.
Barbara loved her life on the family farm, helping to raise primarily Hereford cattle and poultry, while adoring the company of many cherished dogs and cats. She truly had a green thumb, whether for flower or vegetable gardening, and created and cared for many beautiful gardens on the farm and elsewhere. She was a long-time member and office holder in the Three Rivers Club of Little Gardens. Barbara was an active member of the First United Methodist Church and enjoyed serving the congregation for its many events. She also appreciated traveling to see family and sights around the U.S., Canada and the United Kingdom.
Barbara is preceded in death by her husband Leon, parents, two brothers, Royce and Harold Douglas, one sister, Joyce, and granddaughter, Crystal Tokarski. She leaves to cherish her loving memory one son, Gerald (Ann Patton) Tokarski, of Centreville; four daughters, Carol Tokarski, of New Bern, N.C.; Diane Pahl, of Three Rivers; Debra (Jeff Yourick) Yourick, of Dayton, Md.; and Karen (Tom Morell) Tokarski, of Spring Lake; six grandchildren, Katrina, Leanna, Evan, Miranda, Isabelle, and Iris and one great-grandchild, Weston Tokarski.
Additional Information
Donations in Barbara’s memory may be directed to First United Methodist Church. Envelopes are available at the funeral home.
Please Leave Your Condolences
When your condolences are submitted they will not display until approved by the Hohner staff for appropriateness out of respect for their memory. They should appear within 24 hours or less. Thank you for your understanding.
Barb was a great asset to Club of Little Gardens. She was always a go-to person for what we had done and why. We’ll miss her wisdom.
Dear Carol and family, I was very sorry to learn about your mom’s passing. She was a great, hard working woman. Julie (Stephenson) and I have been watching for any service to be scheduled. We would both like to attend if possible. All my sympathy to all of your family. Bonnie (Mathews)
Yes, I must agree she was a hard-working woman. It is great to hear from you and it would be extremely nice to have my two high school best friends attend her service.
Sorry to hear this I wish we could have stayed in touch a little more
Would like hearing from all of you especially Gerald it’s been a long time
Walter
Please come to the service on Aug 5. I would also appreciate meeting you! I’ll let Jerry know of your message.
Debra Yourick (Barb’s daughter)
Our sincere condolences. We were long time friends of the Cappaerts and shared fond memories of the Windmill. We enjoyed her humor and laughter. She was a great lady and we missed seeing her at church. Our loving thoughts are with you.🙏
So sorry to hear this. Barb and I had such great conversation in the basement kitchen of the church! She was a wise woman and made potato salad better than anyone! Miss her already. Prayers for the family. She was special to many people.