Obituary of Barbara Pauline Krapohl
Age 88, of Mt Morris, died at home Friday, November 27, 2020, with her family by her side. In accordance with Barb's wishes, cremation has taken place. A Celebration of Life will take place at 3:30 pm, Saturday, June 12, 2021, at Martin Funeral Cremation & Tribute Services in Mt. Morris. Barbara's family will be present at the funeral home to receive friends from 12:00 pm until the time of service at 3:30 pm; Nephew, Scott Lanning to officiate. For those unable to attend the visitation and memorial service, we will be broadcasting live on Zoom. https://zoom.us/j/99638169216?pwd=bnk0Sk51VEExYy9EUkxzL2M3eUx6QT09 A private burial will take place at the Great Lakes National Cemetery on Friday, June 11, 2021. Expressions of sympathy and memorial contributions directed to the Old News Boys may be placed on Barb's tribute page at martinfuneralhome.com.
Barb was born in Ovid, Michigan, on October 28, 1932, the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Lewis and Pauline (Parcher) Lanning. Barb grew up in the Beecher area and was educated locally, graduating from Beecher High School with the Class of 1951. While in high school, Barbara would meet her future husband, Donald J. Krapohl. The two dated, fell in love, and were united in marriage on June 23, 1951. After marrying, the couple would move to Grayling before moving back to Beecher and building their lifelong home. Barb was a member of Faith United Methodist Church for many years before joining Bethany United Methodist Church in Clio. While at Bethany, she was a member of the bell choir.
In the 1960s, Barb worked for GM Ternstedt before returning to school. She attended Flint Junior College, earning her Associate's Degree in Education. Barb would then go on to teach in the Mt. Morris School District before moving to St. Mary Elementary School in Mt. Morris, where she taught for several years. In later years, Barb went to work at Bronner's Christmas Wonderland during the holiday season.
As a diehard Democrat, Barb was active in politics her whole life. One of her last joys in life was celebrating the election of Joe Biden as President. She served her community on the Beecher School Board, the Beecher Business Association, the Mt. Morris Township Board of Review, and was a poll worker for many years. She was an active member of numerous Genesee County Senior Centers, participating in Senior Power Day, the Senior Olympics, and many other activities.
Barb and Don enjoyed many years vacationing on Black Lake in Stanleyville, Ontario. They had many Canadian friends who feasted on her famous fish fries and taco parties.
In her free time, Barb enjoyed attending music in the park, going on casino trips, playing Bunco, and she was a member of the Happy Hoofer's Clogging Group. Barb enjoyed playing cards monthly with her dear high school friends, the "Dirty Dozen," who were supportive of her until her death. She also belonged to her informal social group called the "Therapy Girls," who were by each other's side for all the ups and downs of life.
Barb was generous in her donations to many local charities. She felt it her duty to help those in need.
Barb is survived by sons: Donald Jr. (Lisa) Krapohl, Joseph (Lynda) Krapohl; daughters, Glena Krapohl, Gail (Fred) Westervelt; grandsons: Jeremy Krapohl, Matthew Krapohl, John Krapohl, Benjamin Krapohl, Donald III "Jamie" (Emily) Krapohl; granddaughters: Heather (Chris) McInerney, Heidi (Steve) Fortinberry, Jennifer (Russell) Grimes, great-grandchildren: Julianne O'Brian, Sophia Grimes, Ava Krapohl, Ella Krapohl, Jessica Myers, Jordan Owens, Sydne Owens, Kaylee Owens, Brenden (Alayna) McInerney, Alex McInerney. Three brothers: William "Bill" (Ester) Lanning, Bruce (Arlene) Lanning, and Ralph "Skip" (Sharon) Lanning. Sisters-in-law: Betty Pendell, Janice Krapohl, and Mary Brady. She also leaves behind several special nieces, nephews, friends, neighbors, and admirers.
Barb was preceded in death by her husband, Donald Sr.; parents, Lewis and Pauline Lanning; sister Doris Breece; two infant siblings, and her favorite pet dog, Bobo.
The family would like to extend a special thank you to her niece Kathy Chandler, her special neighbor, Shawn Malone, and the team at Ascension Reverence Hospice for the care and love shown to our mom.