Steve Barber

Steve Barber passed away February 3, 2024 at home surrounded by his loving family after a brave battle with cancer. Steve was born December 15,1955 to Orrie and Ruth Barber in Allegan, Michigan. He grew up in Allegan and graduated from Allegan High School in 1974. He proudly served in the United States Air Force. After he left the service, he moved back to Allegan and was employed by Perrigo Company, first in the factory and then in their print shop, later known as Multi Packaging Solutions (MPS). While working at MPS, he met the love of his life, Arlene Ninke. They married on March 18, 1988 and settled in Otsego on a property surrounded by woods and a beautiful creek. Their home in the woods became a place where they raised their family, enjoyed the nature all around them, grew a garden, and had many family bonfires. Their home became Steve's favorite place on earth. He loved fishing, tinkering in his shop- he could fix about anything, and birdwatching. After retirement, Steve and Arlene enjoyed bike riding (they even had a tandem bike) and walking the Kal Haven Trail Haven. Very early, on warm summer mornings they would take their coffee down to the creek and sit on a log and listen to the early morning birds. He is survived by his wife Arlene (Ninke), children Chase Barber (Traci) of Savannah, Georgia and Angie Barber (Jess ) of Kalamazoo, Michigan; mother, Ruth Barber of Otsego; sister Deborah Barber of Otsego and Gail Herpst (Joseph) of LaGrange, Indiana; sister in law Marcy Hoyt (Ken) and brother in law Ron Ninke (Karen). Many nieces, nephews and wonderful friends. He was preceded in death by his father Orrie Barber, father and mother in law, Robert and Pauline Ninke and very special cousin, Dale Barber. Visitation will be at Winkel Funeral Home in Otsego on Wednesday, February 7 from 6-8. A funeral will be held on Thursday, February 8 at 1:00 with graveside service at Mountain Home Cemetery immediately following. A celebration of life gathering will take place at Steve and Arlene's home following the service. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to The Friends of KalHaven Trail. Messages of condolence may be posted at www.WinkelFuneralHome.com.