Barbara Bear Alseth
June 14, 1931 – July 2, 2022
From the outside, Barb was ordinary, not flashy nor often one to speak up. To those who knew her, she was extraordinary and inspiring in her pursuits, and, especially late in life, her courage.
Family came first. Barb left this Earth saying she was comforted by the love and goodness of her family and the character of her two daughters and three grandchildren.
Barb lived most of her life in suburban Chicago. She and her husband of 57 years, W. Dean Alseth, retired to Chelsea, Michigan in 1997, where they could spend time with their grandchildren and watch them grow.
When it came to friendship, there was no more loyal friend than Barb. She was dependable in good times and bad. She remembered birthdays and special occasions, always with a hand-written note. Her friendships were treasured and enduring.
Throughout her life Barb was devoted to her passions. Barb loved the arts and studied music and drama at Lawrence University in Wisconsin. She played the piano and organ in her home during lively neighborhood parties, enjoyed going to concerts and theater productions and watching old movies. As an active supporter of the Republican party, Barb took on volunteer positions on many levels, culminating with her role as a delegate from Illinois at the 1992 Republican National Convention. And while most people outgrew the teddy bear stage, Barb never did. Her maiden name spawned a collection of bears of all kinds, and there was always room for one more.
Interment will take place at a private ceremony at Memorial Park Cemetery in Skokie, Illinois.
For the full obituary, please click here.
