Barbara Ann Proehl

Barbara Ann was born January 11th, 1937 in Racine, Wisconsin as the first child of Marshall E. and Mildred E. Lee. and grew up with three brothers, Marshall, John, and Peter in Wisconsin. She often recalled memories of her younger years; some of her favorites included fishing with her grandfather Christianson, summers swimming in Eagle Lake and traveling around Wisconsin with her father, a country banker, as he visited farmers and dairymen, helping to ensure that they had adequate funds to operate.

In her youth, Barbara attended Racine Lutheran High School, and later attending Valparaiso University where she met Thomas H. E. Proehl of Bronxville New York, who she married while they were both still attending the University.

Barbara and Tom were soon blessed with their first son, Thomas Marshall, who was born in Valparaiso in 1956.

In 1957 Barbara and Tom moved to Washington state, first living in Burien then moving to Bellevue in May of 1958 where they purchased the home that they have lived in since. They joined and became active in the neighborhood Lutheran Church: Christ the King.

In 1961 David John was born, followed by Peter Henry in 1962, as the boys were growing up the family tent camped all over the state. During the early years in Washington, Barbara particularly enjoyed camping at Mount Rainier, hiking the trails, and enjoying the wildlife. Camping trips became regular family events, spending time together hiking the mountains, Eastern Washington, and ocean beaches.

As the boys were growing, Barbara began working at Sunset Elementary School as an aide and tutor for reading and math. She also helped develop, run, and teach pre-confirmation classes for the mid-week school at Christ the King Lutheran Church. She continued in these roles for many years, greatly enjoying watching her children and the many other children at Christ the King grow up within the church.

Barbara was very active in social ministry in the church and the community, assisting with the first Bellevue Food Bank, managing the Eastside Men's Shelter Program at Christ the King, and helping to organize and lead the churches involvement in Central Lutheran Church's Community Lunch Program on Capital Hill.

Music was a very important part of Barbara's life; she was especially fond of Christian music and was an avid folk music fan. Over the years she and Tom attended many concerts and recitals and got to know many of the musicians. Another one of their loves was visiting historical sites, museums, and wildlife parks while traveling; these were always an important part of all travel plans. While traveling, time in the car was always spent reading to her family about what they were about to see.

Barbara collected many books for reading to her children and grandchildren; she loved to read to kids and believed it was a vital part of the foundation for life. Her grandchildren remember, "Grams always made you read the book before seeing the movie", as well as how amazing it was that grams knew exactly how many and where all the museums, historical sites, and zoos in Washington were, of which are all required life experiences.

Later, during retirement, traveling became a big part of Barbara and Tom's life, including many trips to the east coast and Florida to visit family, and to Hawaii to enjoy the warm sun, explore the island culture, and walk the beaches.

Barbara is survived by her husband, Thomas Proehl; her brother, Peter Lee of California; her three sons, Thom (Teena) Proehl, David Proehl, and Peter Proehl; and her five grandchildren, Joshua (Bevin) Proehl, Matthew Proehl, Jonathan Proehl, Westin Proehl, and Connor Proehl. She is predeceased by her parents and 2 brothers; John Lee of Florida, and Marshall Lee, Jr. of Wisconsin.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Valley Camp Ministries 49515 SE Middle Fork Rd, North Bend, WA 98045 www.valleycamp.org and Community Lunch on Capitol Hill 1710 11th Ave, Seattle, WA 98122 www.communitylunch.org

For further information or to share remembrances, please visit www.sunsethillsfuneralhome.com