Ishpeming- Barbara J. Isaacson, age 79 formerly of 512 E. Ridge St. Ishpeming, passed away Saturday, May 30, 2009 at the Marquette County Medical Care Facility in Ishpeming where she been a resident since December 2004.

Barbara was born March 22, 1930 in Ishpeming to Ralph & Mildred (Mackey) Rundman. Barbara graduated from Ishpeming High School, Class of 1948 and attended Green Bay Business College. On August 1, 1953, she married Elden (Ike) Isaacson. They were married for 49 years. Mom worked after college at Michigan Bell as a switchboard operator and after the kids were older at Drs. Narotzky and Tobin's office as a receptionist.

Barbara is survived by 3 children: Peggy Schweinsberg of Bay City, MI, Michael (Nancy) Isaacson, and Greg Isaacson, both of Ishpeming; 4 grandchildren, Sara, Erik and Peter Schweinsberg and Michael Isaacson; a brother Ralph (Lynn) Rundman, a sister Betti (Jim) Jensen of Tucson, AZ; sisters in law, Elaine Johnson of Carpentersville, IL and Margie Isaacson of Republic, MI along with several nieces and nephews. Barbara was preceded in death by her parents and husband, Ike.

Our Mom moved to Ridge Street when she was young girl, and then later moved back to the same house after marriage and raised her own family there. She kept a spotless house, made great homemade meals, ironed everything, kept us on the straight and narrow, attended all of our activities; in other words, she did all the things a loving wife and mom would do. She called or went to her parents' house every day. Mom and Grandma Rundman would go "rummaging", looking for antiques or other bargains. She was always there for them. Mom loved her brother and sister and their families and kept them dear to her heart.

Barbara was a lifelong member of the Bethel Lutheran Church, where she was very active in the Martha Circle and WELCA. She served on the church council for a term. She played in the bell choir. She and Dad volunteered for outreach projects such as Adopt-A-Highway and delivering holiday baskets. She was very involved in the formation of the Ishpeming Youth Center in the 70's seeing a need for kids to have a positive place to go. Mom was so proud to be from Ishpeming and to be a Hematite; she always wanted to make it a better place. Mom enjoyed music, and was an excellent pianist. She especially loved to hear men's voices like the Negaunee Male Chorus in which her brother Ralph sang. Mom loved to walk and never stopped, putting on many miles at the Valenti Center where many of the staff met her on her daily strolls. She loved the camp on the Dead River that her parents built when she was a kid. She spent many days there with her family, friends and all the dogs she loved over the years. Mom was the only Packer fan in a house full of Lion's fans and never let that go unnoticed.

A memorial service will be held 11:00 A.M. Tuesday, June 2, 2008 at the Bethel Lutheran Church in Ishpeming with Rev. Lauri O. Maki officiating.

Friends may call at the Bethel Lutheran Church on Tuesday from 10:00 A.M. until the time of service at 11:00 AM.

Memorial considerations may be directed to Bethel Lutheran Church or the Marquette Co Humane Society in memory of Barbara.

Barb's family would like to sincerely thank everyone at Marquette County Medical Care facility for the wonderful care given to Barb for the past 4 ½ years. Actually, there aren't enough words to express our gratitude.