Barbara Brecht

1945 - 2026

Barbara Brecht

Nov 19, 1945 - Feb 27, 2026

Barbara Lynne Grant Brecht, a lifelong lover of books, travel, and the outdoors, was born Thursday, November 29, 1945, in Davenport, Iowa, to Phil and Jeanne Grant.

Barb spent much of her childhood in Davenport but also lived for a time on a farm near Meadow Grove, Nebraska, where she grew up alongside her brother, Jerry Grant. Those early years helped instill in her a lifelong appreciation for rural life and the natural world.

She attended the University of Iowa, earning a bachelor's degree in social work. On November 25, 1967, she married Gary Brecht.

The couple lived in Madison, Wisconsin, for 15 years, where Barb worked at the Madison Public Library while Gary was employed by John Deere. In 1988, they returned to the Quad Cities, where Barb began what would become a long career at the Rock Island Public Library. For more than two decades she served patrons at the reference desk, helping readers, students, and researchers find the information they needed.

A librarian by profession and at heart, Barb was happiest surrounded by books and ideas. She also loved travel, time outdoors, and fishing. Wisconsin's Northwoods held a special place in her heart, and she cherished the forests, lakes, and quiet beauty of that region.

She is survived by her husband, Gary Brecht; her son, Tory Brecht( Richelle Smith-Brecht); her grandchildren, Celia Brecht and Spencer Brecht; her brother, Jerry Grant (Carol); nieces Geni Grant and Molly Finnegan Jacob; and nephews Neil Grant (Susan) and Jonathan Finnegan.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Phil and Jeanne Grant, and sister-in-law, Karen Finnegan.

A memorial service celebrating Barbara's life will be held Monday, March 30, at 12 p.m. in Runge Mortuary Chapel with visitation one hour prior to service time.

Online condolences may be left at www.rungemortuary.com.

The Runge Mortuary & Crematory

838 East Kimberly Road

5633916202