Bloomington – Barbara Jean “Barb” Guetschow, 80, of Bloomington passed away at 3:00 p.m. on Sunday, November 8, 2026 at Bickford Senior Living in Bloomington.

Her funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, November 13, 2026 at Trinity Lutheran Church in Bloomington. A visitation will be held from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. until the time of the service at the church. Kibler-Brady-Ruestman Memorial Home in Bloomington will be assisting the family with arrangements.

Burial will be at East Lawn Memorial Gardens in Bloomington. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Trinity Lutheran Church’s Building Fund.

Barb was born October 2, 1946 in Bloomington, a daughter to Elmer and Madeline (Glave) Guetschow. Her parents preceded her in death. She is survived by her brother, Bill (Cindy) Guetschow; nieces, Stephanie Kerns of Bloomington and Stacy (Gordie) Barrettsmith of Normal; and great-niece and great-nephews, Nathan, Ethan, Gavin, Abbi, Noah, and Dylan.

She worked in the Admissions office at Illinois State University for many years before her retirement in 2007. Barb was a lifelong member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Bloomington, where she sang in the choir and was a part of several groups, including the Ladies Aid, Lutheran Women in Missionary League, several women’s Bible studies, and even participated in the Stephen Ministry.

One of her favorite things to do was spending time with her family. She loved her nieces and adored her great-niece and great-nephews and treasured the memories they created together. Being an aunt was the most cherished role in her life. Barb will be dearly missed by her family.

Barb also loved going to ISU basketball games and live theatre productions. She had a soft spot in her heart for all animals, especially her cats.

The family would like to thank the staff of Mary B's at Bickford Senior Living of Bloomington and the Transitions Hospice team for their loving care of Barb.