Loren Barber, 87, a resident of The Holmstad in Batavia, IL, entered eternity with Jesus on Monday, December 4, 2023, surrounded by his family at home. He was born June 23, 1936, in Grand Rapids MI to Adrian Otis and Catherine Patton Barber.

Loren's family spent its early years in Battle Creek before moving to Grand Rapids in 1948.  Loren's father died in 1950 making him the "man of the house".  His mother worked diligently to support her family and Loren soon stepped in to help by taking a job first at a dairy where he made his favorite dessert, ice cream.  Later, he took a job at a service station, sparking what became a lifelong love of cars.  He played on the basketball and tennis teams at Union High School in Grand Rapids where he fell hard for a Redhawk cheerleader, Eleanor Peterson.

Following high school, he attended General Motors Institute (GMI) for two years before marrying Eleanor, known as Eno, on July 26, 1958.  Subsequently, they moved to Saginaw, Michigan, to begin their life together.  Loren worked as a manufacturer's representative selling carbide and diamond cutting tools and machines to General Motors for most of his professional life.  Athletics continued to play a large role in his life with his hours spent coaching and cheering on his children in their endeavors on the tennis court, golf course, and soccer fields.  He generously provided opportunities for family vacations – Hawaii, Peter Island, Northern Michigan, Disney World,  he enjoyed watching everyone have fun!

Upon retirement, Loren and Eno moved to Kona, Hawaii. The salesman in Loren wasn't retired though and with his charismatic personality, he soon knew nearly everyone in their complex well.  Always keen to provide a wonderful vacation for anyone who made the trip, he was the perfect concierge – the best restaurants, farmer's market, tee times, sightseeing, snorkel cruises, luaus - he would get it set up.

In 2012, they moved to Indio CA where they made new friends and continued to welcome friends and family from around the country.  They moved back to the Midwest in 2019, to The Holmstad in Batavia, IL to be near some of their extended family.  A huge bonus of being a part of The Holmstad community was the friendships gained there.

He is survived by his children Lisa (Eric) Fowler, Bryan Barber and Jill (Dave) Wolf;  grandchildren, Kyle (Sarah) Fowler, Trent (Brynn) Fowler, Paige (Scott) Manson, Jordan (Jack) Nussbaum, Adrian Ray Barber, Tanner (Nicole) Wolf, Lauren Wolf, Bailey (Peter) Whallon, Payton Wolf, Jackson Wolf; great-grandchildren, Hannah, Nate, Luke and Silas Fowler, Maryn and Ellis Fowler, Abigail Wolf, Walker Nussbaum and Cooper Manson, his sister, Joyce Vanderstelt, sisters-in-law, Nancy Peterson, Carla Peterson, and many, many wonderful nieces and nephews.  He was preceded in death by his son Craig and his wife Eno.

A memorial service in celebration of Loren's life will be held in the auditorium at Covenant Living at the Holmstad in Batavia IL on Saturday, January 13th, 2024 at 11 am (CT). Memorial gifts may be directed to the Benevolence Fund at The Holmstad.