Barbara Kirkwood

Barbara D. Kirkwood, age 87, of Battle Creek, MI died peacefully at Bickford Assisted Living and Memory Care in Portage, MI on August 24, 2019. She was preceded in death by her husband of 62 years, Joseph J. Kirkwood, and parents Joseph R. De Otto and M. Alma (Osterman) De Otto, and is survived by her younger sister Norma (De Otto) Fritsche of Woodstock, GA. Joe and Barb made their home in Battle Creek for over 55 years raising their family: Lynda Haskins (John) of Portage, MI; Jim Kirkwood (Jill) of Woodbury, MN; and Scott Kirkwood (Brenda) of Minnetonka, MN. Joe and Barb were blessed with 7 grandchildren: Heather (Haskins) Bergquist, Laura Haskins, Kelly (Kirkwood) Tommerdahl, Kristin (Kirkwood) Bjorklund, Leah (Kirkwood) Sharrow, Nate Kirkwood, and Jenna Kirkwood and 9 great-grandchildren: Lane, Coleman, Elenora, Jase, Summer, Colton, Larkyn, Teddy, and Charlie. Barb was born in Pittsburgh, PA on April 13, 1932. She was employed in the personnel department of Horne's Department store in Pittsburgh before becoming a full-time homemaker after the birth of her first child. Barbara loved music, serving as a church organist for nearly 50 years at churches in Pittsburgh, and then in Battle Creek. She was also a long time active member of the Battle Creek Morning Musical Club. Barbara loved to sew and especially took delight in making beautiful dresses for her daughter, and granddaughters. Many friends and loved ones enjoyed Barb's hospitality and her wonderful cooking and baking. Barb and Joe shared a love of tennis together, and after retirement, traveled to many places around the world making friends wherever they went. Visitation will be held Saturday, September 7 at Langeland Family Funeral Homes Burial & Cremation Services, 3926 S 9th St, Kalamazoo, MI 49009 from 12:00 to 1:45 pm followed by a memorial service at 2:00 pm. Pastor Nick Bergquist, husband of granddaughter Heather, will officiate. A reception will be held after the service. Private interment will be at Fort Custer National Cemetery next to the grave of her beloved husband, Joe. Donations preferred to Fisher Center for Alzheimer's Research Foundation, New York, NY, or to Haven of Rest Ministries, Battle Creek, MI. https://www.langelands.com