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Obituaries » Barbara B. Vindedahl

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February 25, 1925 - August 25, 2016

A memorial celebration of Barb’s life will be held on Saturday, September 3, 2016, at First United Methodist Church, 212 S. Park St. Kalamazoo, MI, 49007, visitation from 10:00 to 11:00 AM, with a memorial service immediately following with Rev. Steve Charnley officiating.

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Barb went to be with the Lord on Thursday, August 25, 2016, after a long struggle with Alzheimer’s disease, she was 91. She was born in Stoughton, WI, on February 25, 1925. Her parents were Paul and Pearl Lysager. Barb had a strong Norwegian heritage and resilient spirit. At the age of four when her mother died, she went to live with her grandparents, who spoke only Norwegian. A lasting memory from that time was a Norwegian grace. It became her signature prayer, both in the reciting and cross stitching of it. Barb attended Whitewater State University after which she married the love of her life, Howard Vindedahl, who survives. She then worked to support Howard as he finished his degree at the University of Wisconsin. After moving to Michigan, she worked in various secretarial positions. As the secretary to the Superintendent of the Centreville Schools, the student body voted Barb the “person of the year,” and dedicated their yearbook to her. Throughout her life she had this lovely way of relating to others. She was the happiest when offering help. Owners of Grant’s General Store in Galesburg for 15 years, Barb and Howard worked tirelessly together and created a unique retail experience. Barb used her creative talents to also operate a women’s dress shop adjacent to Grant’s. Family was the centerpiece of Barb’s life. She is also survived by two daughters, Mary (Tim) Dolbee and Ann (John) Kneas; five grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren; a sister, Donna Harlow; nieces, Susan Harlow and Shelly Harlow-Heins. She cultivated a strong sense of family through regular Sunday dinners with her children and grandchildren. The family support given by Barb and Howard was far reaching and abundant. They were a constant presence at their grandchildren’s sporting and school events as well as traveling long distances to attend their weddings.