Barbara Ann "Barb" Bach

Barbara Ann "Barb" Bach (Knippen)

Age 78 of Frankfort, IL formerly of Harwood Heights and Chicago, peacefully passed away on her farm on Sunday, May 14, 2017. She is survived by her loving family: children Angela (Ronald) Burman, Jon (Alexis) Bach and Clarice (Joseph) Marinello; grandchildren Joshua, Taylor, Samuel, Mackenzie, Zackari, and Joseph; Sister Mickey (Frank) Koster; and numerous godchildren, nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband Clarence "Sonny" Henry Bach; parents Edward and Angeline (Lechel) Knippen; brothers Adam, Bob, Jim and Eddie Knippen; sisters Dorothy Russell and Bea Asher. Barb was a graduate of Carl Schurz High School (played the clarinet) and Metropolitan Business College. She was an executive secretary at Welch Scientific, and worked at and entertained the bakery department at Jewel Food Store (Frankfort). Barb was a 40-year member of All Saints Lutheran Church, and past member of both the Will County Senior Center and the Farm Bureau. As a homemaker, she volunteered at schools and the church; she loved sewing, embroidering, hand stitching, needlework, gardening, puzzles, word games (especially Scrabble), journaling, and baking; and she made the best ever pie crust and oatmeal-chocolate chip cookies. Barb won "Best of Show" and many other ribbons at the Will County Fair for much of her needlework in the 90s; she ultimately retired to give others a chance to win. Barb was known for her big heart and her quick wit. She was an avid Chicago sports fan, and loved to watch and talk about the Bears. She was a very supportive mother and grandmother, attending all of her kids' sports or band events, and many of her grandchildren's events. In football stadiums in South Elgin and St. Charles, she was widely known as "Big Barb" for her positive attitude, loud cheering, and huge smile. Upon her late husband's retirement, Barb and Sonny traveled across the globe visiting several continents, along with many visits to the various theaters in Branson, MO and the Chicagoland area. She was also an enthusiastic movie fan in her later years, where she loved to watch the bad guys get their comeuppance. Barbara Ann Bach was truly an American original and her family would like you to join in a celebration of her incredibly awesome life. A memorial service will be held at All Saints Lutheran Church, 13350 LaGrange Road, Orland Park, IL 60462 on Saturday, June 10, 2017 at 10AM. Interment will be private. Funeral arrangements handled by Kurtz Memorial Chapel, Frankfort www.kurtzmemorialchapel.com or 815-806-2225