Barbara Ann Kallman, 80, passed to her heavenly home March 9, 2024, at Advent Hospital, Sebring, Florida. She was born in Minneapolis on Feb. 1, 1944, to Fred and Eunice (Swanstrom) Gruehl. In 1945, the family moved to a farm north of Alpha. Barb attended Alpha Elementary School for all eight grades, and then attended Grantsburg High School, graduating in 1962. While in high school, she participated in band and choir and was a cheerleader.
Upon graduating, she was united in marriage to Bob Kallman on Aug. 18, 1962. They spent five years in Minneapolis, where Bob worked at the Ford company and Barb worked in an office at Control Data. In 1967, they moved back to the Trade River area to help with and then take over the Kallman family farm. Barb worked alongside Bob with all they did.
As a young girl, Barb placed her faith in Jesus Christ, and walked with and served him throughout her days. Bob and Barb attended Trade Lake Baptist Church for many years, where Barb was the church organist. Barb loved music, and was often called on to play at special occasions.
When they concluded their farming years, Barb went to work in medical records at St. Croix Regional Medical Center (now St. Croix Health). She worked there for 21 years, retiring in 2008.
Barb loved people! No one was a stranger to her for long. She welcomed them to her table for coffee and treats, and she enjoyed going out to eat with friends. She loved their cabin north of Danbury, and freely invited people to “come on up anytime.” She took great care to keep her lawn beautiful, and so enjoyed her beautiful flowers and feeding the many birds that visited her feeders. The place she always looked forward to was their spot in Florida in the winter. This winter, she relished the Florida warmth all of January, and she joyously celebrated her 80th birthday. A few days later, her earthly body collapsed, and though she fought with a weakened heart, God took her to his side. She will be greatly missed by all who loved her.
She was preceded in death by her parents.
She is survived by her husband, Bob; sister, Janet; aunt, Donna Swanstrom; sisters-in-law, Mary Jane Danielson and Chris (Roger) Erickson; and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
A Celebration of Life for Barb is pending at this time.
