Barbara Lohrstorfer

Barbara Elizabeth Lohrstorfer, Age 87, Of Battle Creek, Passed away Monday, January 16, 2012, at home. She was born January 26, 1924 in Adrian, MI, to Fred P. and Sylvia A. Covel Peterson. In 1941 she graduated from Adrian High School where she was a cheerleader, in the choir and on the debate and swim teams. Barbara attended Duke University where she earned a three year RN degree and an additional year of premed. As WWII ended the women were removed from the premed program and she returned to Adrian and Bixby Hospital. It was on duty in the ER the she met State Trooper John E. Lohrstorfer. They were married June 5, 1948 at St. Peter’s Catholic Church in Blissfield. Moving around the state, Barbara worked as a nurse at several hospitals including, Royal Oak Beaumont, Bad Axe Huron Memorial, Kalamazoo Bronson and the Battle Creek VA. In 1984 she earned her BSN from the U of M School of Nursing. Barbara served as a Cub Scout den leader and Girl Scout leader. She was a talented cake decorator and most holidays and birthdays included one of her beautiful cakes. She was also a member of the Texas Skydiving Club (making her first jump at age 75), the Duke University A Capella Choir and the Mayflower Society. As president of the Battle Creek Women’s Football Club she was affectionately known as “Mom Rainbow”. Barbara was a member of St. Joseph Parish where she served as a lector, commentator, Eucharistic Minister and participated in the 1996 medical mission to Honduras. In addition to her husband John, Barbara is survived by her children: John (Martha) of South Haven, Charles (Cela) of Nevada, Rick of Vernon Hills, IL, Mary and Mark (Sandy) of Battle Creek, Steve, Joe (his late wife, Paige), David(Debra) and Michael (Tracie) of Austin, TX; special niece, Barb (Ed) Beran of Antioch, IL; 24 grandchildren and 22 great- grandchildren. Visitation will be Sunday, January 22, 2012 from 4:00pm until 7:00 pm at the Richard A. Henry Funeral Home. A Mass of Christian Burial will take place at 10:30a.m., Monday, January 23, 2012 at St. Joseph Catholic Church with Fr. Mark Vyverman officiating, assisted by Deacon John Lohrstorfer, Jr. Burial will be at Fort Custer National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Lifespan Good Samaritan Hospice Residence, c/o Lifespan, 166 E. Goodale Avenue, Battle Creek, MI, 49037-2728, (269) 660-3600.

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