April 21, 1959 - June 11, 2026
Barnaby N. Wiesner, age 67, of Minneapolis, died June 11, 2026 in Minneapolis, of colon cancer.
He was born on April 21, 1959 to H. Bidwell Wiesner and Bette Lou Wiesner in Minneapolis.
Barnaby graduated from the University of Minnesota and St. Thomas School of Law.
He served as a Captain in the United States Marine Corps, 1988-1991, including duty overseas in Desert Shield and Desert Storm. He then worked as a retail and rental specialist at REI, Bloomington, where he made life-long friends.
Barnaby was an avid cross-country skier and taught cross-country skiing for sixteen years at the Theodore Wirth Loppet Ski Club. He loved downhill skiing, camping, cycling, climbing, canoeing, and kayaking, and he never lost a single game of Trivial Pursuit.
He is survived by his brother, Boak Wiesner; sister, Merry Wiesner-Hanks; brother-in-law, Neil Wiesner-Hanks; and nephews Kai, and Tyr Wiesner-Hanks.
Memorial Service
Thursday, August 13, 2026
11:00 AM
Fort Snelling Memorial Chapel
1 Tower Avenue
Minneapolis, MN 55450
Visitation
Thursday, August 13, 2026
10:00 - 11:00 AM
Fort Snelling Memorial Chapel
1 Tower Avenue
Minneapolis, MN 55450
Interment
Thursday, August 13, 2026
12:30 PM
Fort Snelling National Cemetery
7601 34th Avenue South
Minneapolis, Minnesota 55450
***Assembly area to be announced***
Barnaby was a great ski coach and builder of excellent fires. A Loppet legend, gone too soon. We will miss him much. Condolences to the family.
Barnaby was the best host. He would host gatherings at his home and all were welcome. He would prepare the best breakfast with bacon and eggs along with all the fixings. He had a dinner and made food straight out of the Cooking with Joy and the Better Homes and Gardens cook book.
I rented from him and he asked me what color was best.
He shared his recreation equipment and his knowledge of state and National parks. He was a wealth of knowledge and always busy with something.
He also drove a Bonneville. I drove a Bonneville and we shared stories about our cars.
Heidi this is touching. You were able to enjoy getting to know him. Thanks for sharing these memories!
I got to know Barnaby through the Loppet Ski Club – first as a participant and then as a volunteer coach working alongside him. His enthusiasm for nordic skiing was contagious and his ability to welcome newcomers and make people laugh was unmatched. He will be greatly missed amongst the Loppet ski community Sending extra condolences to family.
Barnaby – a diehard Loppet ski coach, always w a huge smile, info, and expertise . I’m so sorry to hear of his passing. Way too young. Rest in Peace. An angel from above
I was sadden to hear that Barnaby has passed away! May we be comforted that he no longer is suffering but rather resting and exploring the valleys and mountains of heaven with Jesus!
I enjoyed many solstice and equinox parties with Barnaby! The efforts he took to make these events fun for everyone. The tee-pee is his back yard. Shot-skis and plenty of goodies.
He was smart as a whip. He was well rounded.
I still recall that he liked cereal bowls with high sides making it easier to scoop the last of the cereal out! You know what Barnaby you were right. What at first seemed silly was quit analytical.
Thank you for your service in the Marines. I often drive by your neighborhood and will always remember you
I was saddened to hear of Barnaby’s passing.
We can be comforted knowing he is with Jesus and I can just see him exploring the mountains and valleys with Jesus! No more pain nor discomfort.
I remember his winter solstice parties which he took great effort in making enjoyable. Tee-pee in the backyard, nice fire, shot-skis (make out of a ski). Barnaby was sharp as a whip!
A fun thing I know about him is he liked his cereal bowls with high steep sides to make it easier to get the cereal out. Barnaby thanks to you I never looked at a cereal bowl the same again!
Thank you for boldly being you and for your years of service in the Marines!
Loppet ski club will not be the same without Barnaby. He always knew where to find snow, and shared his love of skiing with any and all he met. His presence will be greatly missed – sending warm and comforting thoughts to those he was closest with.
Thank you to all the Loppet ski club members for your lovely comments about my brother Barnaby. His experiences there as a participant and coach meant a great deal to him.
Merry Wiesner-Hanks
His last season of skiing, Barnaby was unable to skate ski and joined our Tuesday group to classic ski with us. He was a wonderful addition to the group and continued to dispense advice to the newer skiers. He was so matter of fact about his illness and its course. He had a wonderfully quirky personality and loved being outdoors. He will be sorely missed.
I knew Barnaby’s grandparents the Ed and Belle Nelson. Barnaby’s mother, Bette Lou, was my 1st cousin. I lived in North Dakota, so we didn’t get together as often as we would have liked. Barnaby came out and visited me one time, which was
such great fun. We managed some memories, but time marches on and he couldn’t stay long. We will miss Barnaby a lot, as will his brother and sister. Love to the family……
w
Barnaby and I coached the beginners session for the Loppet Ski Club for a couple of years and I knew him as part of the Loppet Ski Club before that time. He was a funny, unique person who was so helpful and patient with all skiers. My only regret is I did not have enough time with him. His spirit will live on with the Loppet community.