Barbara Cornelia BARTIG

1927 - 2014

With much sadness our beautiful and much loved mother, grandmother and great-grandmother (Ami) passed away to be with our Lord on March 9, 2014. Barbara was born in 1927 to Kenneth Melvin Bollum and Effie Mildred Redeen Bollum and she spent most of her life in Long Lake, MN. She is preceded in death by her husband William Kenneth Bartig, son Mark Andrew Bartig, brother, John Kenneth Bollum, sister Carolyn Eberle and parents. Barbara is survived by her daughter, Sarah Elizabeth Sterlacci (Paul), their children Benjamin Bartig Moroni (Tiffany), Aldo Leonard Moroni 111, Elizabeth Francis Sterlacci, son Peter William John Bartig, his children Isabel Jane Bartig, William Ayrton Bartig and Mark's children, Julia Abigail Bartig, Maggie Murchison Bartig, William Maxwell Bartig and Mark Samuel Bartig along with great-grandchildren, Gabriella, McKenzie, Benjamin, Emmett, Mason and Clayton. Barbara graduated with the Wayzata class of 1945 and attended Grinnell College before marrying William Kenneth Bartig in Long Lake in 1951. They raised their 3 children, Mark, Sarah and Peter there. They were blessed with 51 happy years together before William passed away in February 2002. The family enjoyed spending time together at the cabin in Cross Lake, boating on Lake Minnetonka and the St. Croix river. They loved traveling and after William retired from the State Bank of Long Lake they spent most of their 20 + years of retirement in Florida and countless trips and cruises. Barbara was a devoted mother and wife, whose life centered around her children and family. She created a nurturing and loving home for her family and will be remembered for her graciousness and generosity by all who knew her. Barbara had many passions and interests. She was a talented designer and floral arranger. Barbara enjoyed collecting elephants, crèches from all over the world, anything blue and white, along with a candle stick collection from every trip. There was always an interesting display on the famous coffee table following trips. She loved cooking and entertaining and made every Holiday or special event a memorable occasion. Dad took over Sunday Family dinners and is famous for his turkey dinners. They would call us to "bring some friends home". She never forgot a birthday or a Christmas card. Her interests also included gardening, needle pointing, reading and music but most of all, loved to be with her family. Barbara loved animals too and lovingly cared for many family pets including Peter's chickens, bunnies, guinea pigs, cats, many dogs, Daisy the lamb and Toby, Sarah's horse. Hence, Dad named our house and boats, the Funny Farm ! In October 2000 Barbara suffered a massive stroke that left her paralyzed and wheel chair bound. She resided at Presbyterian Homes of Roseville (now known as Langton Place) for 8 years before moving to Presbyterian Homes of Lake Johanna (now known as Johanna Shores Gables Care center). It seemed fitting for her to spend her final years on the lake and she enjoyed rides on the pontoon boat in her name "The Barbie B". Over the past 14 years the Barbara and Mom we knew slowly slipped away but we are grateful she always knew us. We are so grateful for the patient, compassionate, dedicated staff that so lovingly cared for her. A special thanks to the Health Partners hospice team for their special care too. As much as we love her we are thankful that she is now at peace. Barbara's son Mark passed away in 2005 and he is hugging her now in Heaven along with all that have gone before her. Barbara had a blessed and faith filled life and requested a private family memorial service. We want to honor her spirit and wishes for a private graveside interment. Next summer we will have a picnic in her memory, she loved picnics! "Mom, you were an inspiration to us all. Your unconditional love gave us strength and courage. We are all stronger and more compassionate because of you. We pray you know that you were an amazing mom and Ami, that we love you more than words will ever convey. We know you are in a better place now and that you will be watching over us in Heaven until we will be reunited. With love, your family."