Barbara L. Loesel

Barbara Lee Loesel, 78, of Traverse City passed away peacefully on Monday, February 26, 2018. She was a loving wife, mother and friend to many. Barb was born on March 26, 1939 in Detroit, Michigan to the late Walter and Dorothy (Ludy) Jenkins. Barb grew up and attended Denby High School in Detroit before attending Albion College. She transferred her studies to the University of Michigan two years later where she met the love of her life Larry Loesel. Barb and Larry were married in the University Chapel on June 10, 1961. After graduating from college Barb taught middle school math while Larry attended medical school. In 1970 Barb and Larry moved to Traverse City, MI where she raised her five children. Barb was a devoted mother who enjoyed cooking and planning family celebrations. Barb kept her hands busy always sewing or knitting something for her children. Barb scheduled a family vacation every summer at Camp Michigania for over thirty years. There she played tennis, swam and enjoyed walking the woodland trails. As an active member of Trinity Lutheran Church she participated in bible studies, was a member of the Dorcas Society and advocated for the causes she believed in. In retirement Barb and Larry built a house and wintered in Wickenburg, AZ. Over the years Barb continued to knit and sew for her grandchildren and charitable organizations while keeping her flower gardens and traveling to many parts of the world. Barb will be remembered by her family and friends for her strength of character and service to those she loved and those in need. Barb is survived by her loving husband of 56 years, Larry, five children; Laura (Art Sanders) Loesel, Lawrence Charles (Vanessa Power) Loesel, John Loesel, Cheryl Loesel, Michael (Lisa) Loesel. Also surviving are eight grandchildren; Greta, Luke, Lauren, Weston, Mae, Lily, Jack and Anna. Barb is also survived by her sister, Janet (George) Zarb. A funeral service honoring Barbara will take place at 1:00 p.m., with visitation starting at 12:00 noon, on Saturday, March 3, 2018 at Trinity Lutheran Church, 1003 S. Maple St., Traverse City, MI 49684. Rev. Robert Zagore will officiate. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Lutheran World Relief, P.O. Box 17061, Baltimore, MD 21298-9832. Donate Here Share your thoughts and memories with Barb’s family at www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com. The family is being cared for by the Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home and Cremation Services.

Barbara L. Loesel

March 26, 1939 - February 26, 2018