Barbara (Geiger) Stermer

Barbara Marie Stermer, 85, of Lawton, passed away Monday, Nov. 4, 2019, at Meadow Woods Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, in Bloomingdale, after a long and courageous battle with dementia.

Barb was born Jan. 16, 1934, in Chicago, IL, the daughter of Otto and Louise (Rendler) Geiger.  She was a graduate of Alvernia High School, and attended DePaul University.  She moved to Michigan in 1955, where she met the love of her life, Arthur R. Stermer, who preceded her in death on July 22, 2005.

Art and Barb were married June 28, 1958, in Paw Paw.  Together, Art and Barb raised 6 children, all of whom survive:  Mark (Yvonne) Stermer of Lawton, Ruth Waters of Mattawan, Paul (Amy) Stermer of Cornwall, NY, John (Deb) Stermer of Paw Paw, Jim Stermer of Paw Paw and Tom (Pam) Stermer of Lawton.  Also surviving are 7 grandchildren – Tara, Michael, Allie, Kaitie, Bret, Macie and Henrik; 2 great-grandchildren – Charlie and Cora; brother, Jim Geiger (Jan Velicer) of Lenexa, KS; sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Marge and Ray Reid, of Decatur; 2 nieces – Paula Bernacki and Mary Lou (Mark) Lammers, as well as several step-grandchildren, cousins and special friends.

In addition to her husband and her parents, Barb was also preceded in death by sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Lorraine and Tom Bernacki, and son-in-law, Tim Waters.

For many years, Barb was a proud employee of Lawton Community Schools, working as the Food Service Director.  She was also a member of St. Mary’s Church, in Paw Paw.  She was an amazing cook for her family, serving huge Sunday dinners every week, and hosting Easter, Thanksgiving and Christmas get-togethers for many years.  Barb was an avid reader, often finishing multiple books in just days.  She also enjoyed puzzles, watching Jeopardy, playing cards, gardening and lunch dates with her friends, but most of all, Barb was happiest when spending time with her family.  Her husband, her kids, her grandkids and her extended family meant everything to her, and she always did all she could to put others first.

Barb’s family would also like to send a special thanks to all of the wonderful people who cared for her at White Oaks in Lawton, Meadow Woods in Bloomingdale and Heartland Hospice Care.

Friends will be received from 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm, Sunday, November 10, at Adams Funeral Home, 502 West Michigan Ave, Paw Paw.  Funeral services will follow on Monday, November 11, at 11:00 am, at the funeral home. There will be a luncheon to follow immediately at the Lawton Community Center.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Lawton Education Foundation’s Follow Your Dream Scholarship, or to Heartland Hospice Care.