Barbara was born August 8, 1935, to Harry and Esther (Bruene) Seydel in Gladbrook, Iowa. She then attended the University of Iowa Teacher’s College, graduating in 1968. Afterwards, she moved to Rochester and began teaching third grade in the Rochester School System. Barbara finished her career at Hoover Elementary, retiring in 2000 after more than 40 years of service.

Barbara was an avid sports fan and never missed a Twins or Vikings game on television. She was also a member of Christ United Methodist Church and enjoyed traveling with the Rochester Area Retired Teacher Association.

She is survived by her sisters, Lois Lorenz, of Ames, IA, and Phyllis Smith, of Ames, IA; nieces and nephew Linda Johnson, of Ames, IA, Lisa (Mike) Thompson, of Traer, IA, Lori (Ron) Huebner, of Newburgh, IN, and Brian (Fazia) Smith, of Miami Beach, FL; great niece Catie Thompson, of Waterloo, IA; and special family friend Kim Klapperich and her family, of Rochester.

She was preceded in death by her parents; sisters Marjorie (Kenneth) Frey and Joyce Seydel and brothers-in-law Lyle Lorenz and Gerald Smith.

Graveside service will take place at Gethmann Cemetery July 13th at 3:00 p.m. with a gathering at Spanky’s restaurant in Gladbrook immediately following.