Barbara Jean Seydel

Barbara Jean Seydel, 83, of Rochester, died Saturday, December 8, 2018 at St. Mary's Hospital. Barbara was born August 8, 1935 to Harry and Esther (Bruene) Seydel in Gladbrook, Iowa. She then attended the University of Iowa Teacher's College, graduating in 1968. Afterwards, she moved to Rochester and began teaching third grade in the Rochester School System. Barbara finished her career at Hoover Elementary, retiring in 2000 after more than 40 years of service. Barbara was an avid sports fan and never missed a Twins or Vikings game on television. She was also a member of Christ United Methodist Church and enjoyed traveling with the Rochester Area Retired Teacher Association. She is survived by her sisters, Lois Lorenz of Ames, IA, and Phyllis Smith of Ames, IA; nieces and nephew Linda Johnson of Ames, IA, Lisa (Mike) Thompson of Traer, IA, Lori (Ron) Huebner of Newburgh, IN, and Brian (Fazia) Smith of Miami Beach, FL; great niece Catie Thompson of Waterloo, IA; and special family friend Kim Klapperich and her family of Rochester. She was preceded in death by her parents; sisters Marjorie (Kenneth) Frey and Joyce Seydel; and brothers-in-law Lyle Lorenz and Gerald Smith. No services are planned at this time. Burial will take place at Gethmann Cemetery in Gladbrook, Iowa, at a later date.