Barney Diaz, age 86, formerly of Wells, MN, died Thursday, September 10, 2020 from symptoms of Covid-19, while receiving great care from the staff of Good Samaritan Society in Albert Lea, MN, where he had resided for the past 4 years. A Memorial service will be held Friday, September 25, 2020 at 10:30 AM at St. Casimir Catholic Church in Wells, MN with Father Greg Havel and Deacon Gene Paul officiating.  Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the church. Interment will be in St. Casimir Catholic Cemetery in Wells, MN.  Face masks must be worn and social distancing will be observed. In lieu of flowers, the family prefers memorials.

Barney was born March 20, 1934 in Alden, MN, the son of John and Micaila (Gallardo) Diaz.  He grew up in Kiester, Easton and Wells. He was united in marriage to Loretta Margaret Schultz February 15, 1956, she was his life. He was in the United States Army in Fort Chaffee, Arkansas.  After his honorable discharge from the Army, he went to work at Del Monte, Stampers and Wilson Foods until his retirement. Shortly after, he had a stroke which left him paralyzed in a wheelchair.  He appreciated the simple things in life.  The sun shining on his face while watching the birds and squirrels.  He also enjoyed his favorite meal of refried beans, tortillas, tamales and fried potatoes.  His family always came first in his life.  He loved his family deeply and enjoyed spending time with them.  He was proud of his grandchildren and was always asking about them.  He enjoyed sitting out on his porch with Fritz, drinking coffee and visiting with anyone who would stop by to talk.  He was soft spoken and had a good sense of humor.  He enjoyed western movies and history books.  He was a very kind, loving and caring man with a gentle soul.  We will miss him dearly.  Barney was a member of St. Casimir Catholic Church in Wells.

He is survived by his children: Dianne (Dennis) Koziolek of Wells, Linda Lee (Karl Smith) of Pemberton, MN, Paul Diaz of Wells, MN; 3 grandchildren: Melissa Redig (Dave Liedl) of Eyota, MN, Nick Redig of Wells, Bethany Koziolek (Brian Remington) of Lakeville, MN; 2 sisters: Carmen (Bruce) Stenhovden, Mary (Verlyn) Thompson and Frank (Kathy) Diaz; 2 sisters-in-law: Millie Sailor of Wells, Goody Diaz of Albert Lea; along with many nieces and nephews and their families.

Barney was preceded in death by his parents, wife Loretta, siblings: Jesse, Joe, Tony, Juanita and Vera; and his best friend, Gerald Frederick.