March 7, 1936 - December 30, 2023
Barbara Ann Hurn passed away on Saturday, Dec. 30, 2023, at her residence in Houston, Texas. She was 87 years of age.
Barbara was born on March 7, 1936, in Algona to Matthew Paul and Irene (Kellershon) Hurn. After graduating from Algona High School, she earned her R.N. degree in 1957, at St. Mary’s School of Nursing in Rochester, Minn. She worked at Mayo Clinic in Rochester until 1959, when she moved to Houston to work at St. Luke’s Episcopal Hospital. In 1969, Barbara was awarded the hospital’s coveted Nurse of the Year award.
During her twenty-five year tenure at St. Luke’s, she worked as a staff nurse on the medical, orthopedic, and surgical units and eventually worked closely with renowned heart transplant pioneer, Dr. Denton Cooley, as head nurse responsible for the care of all transplant patients. After her retirement in 1994, Barbara became a Master Gardener and enjoyed bird-watching tours and all wildlife.
Barbara was preceded in death by her parents, brother William, and longtime friend, Patricia “Pat” Childs. She is survived by brother Don and his wife Judy, and sister Carole Ludwig, all of Algona; many nieces and nephews; and longtime friends, Marleta Childs and Ron Monroe of Lubbock.
The family will gather for a private interment in Algona at a later date.