She will be cremated and a celebration of life will be planned for a later date in Rochester, MN. Gibson – Bode Funeral Home, Erie, is assisting the family. Memorials may be made to the Marshmallow Animal Shelter, Detroit Lakes, MN.
Barbara was born on April 4, 1944 in Akron, OH. The daughter of Thomas and Margaret (Sinclair) Grace. She graduated from Stratford High School in 1963. She married George Szabo on December 26, 1964. Together they had Anne and Deborah. Barbara and George later divorced in 1971. She married Dean Klauer on March 24, 1977. Throughout the years she worked several jobs. She worked at First Federal Savings, Boca Raton, IBM, and JC Penny in the fine jewelry department in Rochester. She also owned a Cookies By Design franchise for 6 years. She was proud to be a sign language interpreter for three different school districts, Rochester, Elgin and Dodge Center.
Barbara enjoyed sewing, crafts, decorating, cooking and camping. She loved animals and was honored to foster cats to find them better homes. She and Dean would often visit care centers and play music and sing for the residents.
Barbara is survived by her daughters, Deborah (David) Streiff of Erie, IL, and Anne (Leo) Black of Sinclair, WY; six grandchildren and seven great grandchildren. She was preceded by her husband, Dean; and a sister, Joan Beard. Share a memory or condolence at www.gibsonbodefh.com.
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Barbara, please visit the floral store.
