Barbara K. Berg

Barbara K. Berg, 68, of Leawood, KS passed away January 5, 2017. She was born September 23, 1948 in Kansas City, KS. Her visitation will be held 6-8pm, Wednesday, January 11th, and her funeral service will be 1:00 pm, Thursday, January 12th, both services held at McGilley & Hoge Memorial Chapel. Contributions may be made to the KU Medical Center-Wiglesworth Endowment Fund, 3901 Rainbow Blvd, Kansas City, KS.

When Barbara was young, she was blessed to have a large family that included her mother, her father, and her four siblings. She was particularly close, in those early years, to her younger brother, David and they had many adventures together. She was close to all her siblings and could regularly be found running around with her sister, Bernice (Sis). All major and most minor holidays were spent with her siblings and their kids. Easter at Tim and Janet’s, Mother’s Day at the park, etc. For Barbara, her family was everything.

Barbara was very fortunate to have grown up in a home that appreciated the benefits and perspective that could be gained by traveling and experiencing the world. In her early years, her parents made it a point to take the family on many trips throughout the US including a vacation to Hawaii in 1960. These trips took place in trains, planes, and cars both new and vintage. Barbara was married to Bill Berg and they just celebrated their 28th wedding anniversary on Dec. 10th. She found a soulmate in Bill who also loved to travel. Together they set out to see the world. Russia, China, Africa, most of Europe, the list goes on and on. It was a life definitely well lived. Throughout her life, she continued to travel the world sharing new experiences with Bill, her siblings, Dawn, and eventually with her grandchildren. With Barbara, it wasn’t just the destination, it was the journey.

Barbara was a consummate pet lover, having numerous cats and dogs. Barbara loved animals of all kinds. Early in her life, it manifested itself through the occasional smuggling of cats into her 2nd story room. Sometimes, she would use food to lure them, other times she would use an innovative pulley/box system to hoist them up. Her mother was not a fan of this but it is a great example of her gigantic heart and her strong determination. Later in her life, she focused her attention on her beloved pets. There was King (cat), a mini dachshund named Einstein. She adopted a cat named Butch and would eventually find yet another mini dachshund named Stanley. She spoiled them all rotten.

Barbara inherited a love for antique automobiles and traveling from her parents. She was a longtime member of the Horseless Carriage Club of America.

Being a lifelong Royals fan finally paid off for Barbara back in the fall of 2014. From April to October each year Barbara followed the Royals closely. She, like most everyone else here in KC, shared the thrill of the Royals World Series victory. It was a good time to be a fan.

She also loved being creative in the kitchen and this was enjoyed by all. Barbara was friendly, outgoing and a source of joy for all who knew her.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Jasper and Bernice. She is survived by her beloved husband, Bill; daughter, Dawn and her husband, Rob Gensler; grandchildren, Jack, Tony, Emma and Sophia; siblings, Glen, Bernice “Sis”, Tim & David and many nieces and nephews. She was “Mimi” to her grandchildren and will be loved and missed by all those whose lives were touched by her.

Online condolences may be left at www.mcgilleyhoge.com. Arr: McGilley & Hoge, 8024 Santa Fe Dr, Overland Park, KS 66204