Lori Lair, 59, Owatonna
Lori Lair, 59, of Owatonna, passed away peacefully at home on Sept. 7, 2025, after a courageous battle with cancer.
Lori Ann Lair was born on Nov. 23, 1965, in Albert Lea, to Jerald and Linda (Lubke) Lair. Lori attended schools in Albert Lea and graduated from Albert Lea High School in 1983.
Lori married Gene Barwick on Oct. 6, 1990, and they built their lives in Owatonna. Later divorcing, Lori and Gene continued to be a form of strength and support for one another. Lori loved living and building her life in Owatonna; she was an active and dedicated member of many beloved organizations. Lori served as a former president of the Eagles Club, former president and active member of the Owatonna Women's Auxiliary, Sertoma Club, Elks Club, and served as a volunteer to many fundraisers and community events. One particular fundraiser that was near and dear to her heart was the Festival of Tables event where she dedicated many hours to raising funds for the scholarship program. Lori served on the Owatonna Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors and in August, before making the heartbreaking decision that it was time to step down, she was awarded the 2025 Extra Mile Award. This award was an absolute honor to Lori as it is presented each year by the Chamber honoring individuals or businesses who go above and beyond to make Owatonna a better place.
Lori loved her family and friends so deeply and always said, “I love my life, I love my people.” Her siblings Scott and Amy were her rocks, a continued support for one another; they were not only her siblings, but her friends. Lori loved her grandma Verliss and grandpa James and credits them often for helping her become the person she was. Lori carried a rock in her purse every day that her grandmother gave her telling her, “Don't ever forget who your rock in this world is”, and Lori never did. She embraced life to its fullest and took in every event and adventure she could. Lori loved entertaining, cooking, baking, and enjoying the food she made. She had what the Lair family refers to as the BIG Lair sweet tooth. She enjoyed traveling, playing golf, playing food critic and most of all snuggling with and playing with her dog, Millie. Lori is going to be remembered most for her infectious laugh, her energy and her outgoing personality.
In 1994, Lori and Gene purchased Lori’s grandparents’ cabin in Nevis, Minn., on Lake Belle Taine, it was at this cabin where Lori felt the most at home. She enjoyed spending time with her stepchildren Brett and Brenna, fishing, swimming, enjoying nature and finding small local restaurants to enjoy. After selling the cabin, Lori enjoyed many fishing trips with her friend, Gary.
Lori began her career in Owatonna as an office manager for Casey and Grosbeck Construction before moving to Wenger Corporation where she worked for 18 years selling music performance equipment. She spent two years working in international sales, covering and traveling to Germany, England, Mexico, and Bogota Colombia. Lori finished up her working career with Carol Seating, a family-based company out of Chicago, selling athletic equipment, tables and other school equipment. Lori worked alongside her “work husband” Steve Grubish at the Owatonna branch until the time of her retirement due to her cancer. Lori loved the shenanigans she and Steve would get into and the friendship they shared together in that office.
Lori is survived by her siblings Scott (Brinda Borgmann) Lair, Rochester, and Amy (James) Rediske, Decorah, Iowa; nephews Josh (Jena Boldt) Borgmann, St. Louis Park, and Jeramiah Rediske, Decorah; great-nephew Ramsey Justin Borgmann, St. Louis Park; her former husband and close friend Gene Barwick; stepson Brett (Chris) Barwick, Ripon, Wis., stepdaughter Brenna (Richard) Bohnen, Grand Marais, Minn.; grandchildren: Seth and Alayah Barwick, and Quinlee, Rider and Ebony Bohnen. Lori is also survived by special friend Gary Etherton, good friends Jake Mohs and Isaac Goergen, her beloved Golden Doodle, Millie, and by members of the Lair and Lubke families. Lori was preceded in death by her parents, Jerald and Linda Lair, grandparents James and Verliss Lair, and Paul and Twila Lubke.
Friends may greet the family from 4-7 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 12, 2025, at Brick-Meger Funeral Home, 1603 Austin Road, Owatonna. Visitation will continue at the funeral home Saturday, Sept. 13, 2025, from 10-11 a.m., followed by a Memorial Service at 11 a.m. Luncheon to follow in the Brick-Meger Reception Center.
The family suggests memorials to the Owatonna Foundation, which supports the community she loved so very much, or to the Owatonna High School Scholarship program.
For more information or to leave an online message of condolence, go to www.megercares.com.