Barbara Joan Konrad

Sep. 6, 1939 - Oct. 4, 2023

Barbara Joan Konrad, 84, of South Haven passed away peacefully on Oct. 4, 2023.

She was born on Sept. 6, 1939, in Detroit, to Austin H. and Nellie E. (Jones) Drake.

After spending her childhood in the Detroit area, Barbara and her family moved to South Bend, Ind., where she graduated from J.W. Riley High School in 1957. In addition to being active in the high school social clubs, band and orchestra, Barbara helped her parents operate the Drake Motel in South Bend.

She graduated from MacMurray College in 1961 with a bachelor of science degree in home economics. While there, she was active in the Home Economics Club, a member of Alpha Lambda Delta and served as president of the Theta Sigma sorority chapter. Getting to travel in Europe was one of her college highlights.

Barbara went on to earn her master of arts degree in English from Michigan State University in 1965. A teaching offer led to her move to South Haven. Barbara left South Haven High School to raise her family. In addition to the family, Barbara also worked for Jack Cook, CPA; Glenn Sperry & Associates and finally McFadden Friendly Motors where she retired as their office manager.

In 1987, Barbara married Robert Konrad. The two of them loved to travel and often wintered in Lakeland, Fla.

Barbara was a member of Peace Lutheran Church in South Haven, when she spent several years helping with accounting duties. She also belonged to the American Association of University Women, (AAUW), enjoyed collecting books for their book sale, as well as working on their scholarship program.

She enjoyed attending the Lake Michigan College Speakers Series, an occasional Chicago Cubs ballgame as well as playing bridge, Barbara was an avid reader of all things, historical, biographical as well as political. Barbara's biggest love was her family, both human and feline.

Barbara was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Robert Konrad; her sister, Patricia Holmes of Rochester, N.Y.; as well as a daughter, Tracy Greenman.

She is survived by sons: Timothy Greenman of Battle Creek, Mich., and Ted Greenman of Ellsworth, Kan; daughters: Tristan Greenman of Grand Junction, Mich., Tiffany Greenman of East Lansing, stepdaughters: Judy (Mike) Sweet, Donna (Dave) Kellum and Robin (Joe) Osborn, all of South Haven. Also surviving are sister-in-law, Loretta Konrad of Effingham, Ill.; ninr grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren as well as nieces and nephews. She is survived by one very special cat, Caesar.

Funeral arrangements are being handled by Starks Family Funeral Home in South Haven at the Filbrandt Chapel. A memorial service will be at noon on Tuesday, Oct. 10, at Peace Evangelical Lutheran Church, with the visitation from 11 a.m. to noon with Pastor Travis Wilson officiating.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Al-Van Humane Society: P.O. Box 421, South Haven, MI 49090 or AAUW – South Haven Chapter: P.O. Box 343, South Haven, MI 49090, in her memory for all the precious animals through the years.

To view Barbara's personal web page please visit www.starksfamilyfh.com.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Filbrandt Chapel of Starks Family Funeral Homes & Cremation Services, 637-0333.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Herald-Palladium on Oct. 6, 2023.

06/12/2025 DEC

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