Barbara Jensen Aspaas, age 73, of Sioux Falls, S.D., died peacefully Aug. 13, 2014 in her home, due to complications related to bladder cancer. Barbara was born Feb. 24, 1941 in Minneapolis to Daniel Jensen ’39 and Joan Varland Jensen ’41. She attended St. Olaf College in 1959 and 1960. After meeting the love of her life, Lynn Aspaas, she transferred to Augustana College in Sioux Falls, where she graduated two years later, and then married Lynn in Rockford, Ill., on June 7, 1963.

Barbara and Lynn settled in Baltic, S.D. in 1974, after living five years in Wyoming. They moved to Sioux Falls in 1991. Barbara was passionate about her career as a teacher, and championed reading readiness in Sioux Falls and throughout South Dakota. She loved to sing, golf, volunteer, travel, go camping, and spend time with family and friends. Her faith in Jesus as her Savior and belief in an everlasting peace with God stayed with Barbara until the end of her life here on earth. Barbara’s wealth was surely in the family and friends she shared her life with.

Barbara is survived by her husband, Lynn; daughter, Maren Aspaas ’89 and husband John Legler; and son, Kyle Aspaas and wife Wendy. Barbara has three grandchildren, Sela Patterson, Kjerstin Aspaas, and Jacob Aspaas. Barbara’s brothers are Mark Jensen ’64 and wife Mary Pat, and Richard Jensen and wife Donna; and her mother-in-law, Fayella Aspaas. Barbara is preceded in death by her parents; her father-in-law, Nils; and sister-in-law, Kathryn.

Memorial gifts can be directed to the East Side Lutheran Building Fund or the Center for Western Studies at Augustana College.