After a life of love and quiet grace, Fr Hal Barber, 86, of Parker, SD has passed.
These few paragraphs cannot hold a life, but they may carry a memory.
The story begins in 1939, with the arrival of a life that would be cherished by many.
Fr held deeply to the Catholic faith — and was, by all accounts, loved by those who knew him best.
Some find their compass in faith. Fr was among them.
Fr. Hal Barber, 86 of Parker died Monday, April 13, 2026 at the Tieszen Memorial Home in Marion. Mass of Christian Burial will be on Friday, April 24, 2026 at 10:30am in St. Christina Catholic Church, Parker with burial in the church cemetery. Visitation will be at the church on Thursday from 5-7pm with a Scripture Service at 7:00pm followed by the Rosary. Arrangements by Hofmeister Jones Funeral Home.Harold Lee Barber was born on November 11, 1939 in Parker, SD to Harold and Louella Barber. Hal attended Parker Public Schools and graduated in 1957. He attended Marquette University in Milwaukee, WI and graduated with majors in business and economics. He spent one year at St. Jerome's College in Kitchener, Ontario studying philosophy and Latin. He then went on to St. Paul Seminary in St. Paul, MN to study theology. Hal was ordained into the priesthood on June 1st, 1967 at Bishop Marty Chapel, Sacred Heart Convent, Yankton, SD.Father Barber celebrated his first Mass at St. Christina Catholic Church in Parker, SD on June 4th, 1967.His first assignment was to St. Mary's Church in Sioux Falls, SD. He then served at Tyndall and Pierre. He then served as pastor at Highmore, Madison, Vermillion, Dell Rapids, Pierre, and St. Therese in Sioux Falls before returning to Parker to be pastor at Parker and Marion.Father Hal celebrated his 50th year of ordination on June 25th, 2017 with retirement to follow. He continued to live in his home in Parker enjoying time with friends at games and other community events.He is survived by sister-in-law Jolene Barber Lohr, Sioux Falls, SD, niece Karen Barber and John Stickney, of Phoenix, A,Z, nephew Mike and Donna Barber, Sioux Falls, SD, niece Mary Jo and Scott Williams, Tipton, IA . Great nephews Joe and Esther Barber, Charles, Zoey, Ella, Maya, and Rory, of Garretson, SD. Brad Barber and Caitlyn Skorczewski of Canton, SD, Mitch and Megan Barber of Christiansburg, VA, Great nieces Nicky and Sam Meyer, Shay, Rhett and Blaire of Rock Rapids, IA ,Halle Williams, Tipton, IA, Maggy Williams, Davenport, IA, Kate and Zach Abel, Indie, Olive, and Augie, Altona, IL and many relatives and friends.He was preceded in death by his parents Harold and Louella Barber and brother, Charles, and special aunt Veronica O'Hara and many aunts, uncles and cousins.
