Barbara Steinwand

Barbara Edith Steinwand 86 of Ellendale, ND died November 4, 2020 at Prince of Peace Care Center, Ellendale. She was born in Berlin-Lichterfelde, Germany on January 26, 1934 to Edith (Wohlgemuth) and Erich Hermes. She was baptized into the Protestant faith on February, 2, 1934. She attended school in Berlin from 1940-1949. In 1949 she took courses in sewing until being admitted to a two-year professional school for seamstresses. After successful completion of her classes, a one-year apprenticeship under a Master Seamstress and a 10 day examination by the Berlin Board of Trade, Barbara received a journeyman certificate. Barbara worked in several different fashion houses in Berlin and two years in southern Germany in a special dress factory. After returning to Berlin, Barbara again worked in a fashion house preparing and teaching apprentices for their exams. In 1962 Barbara met Walter Steinwand who was serving in the US Army and stationed in Berlin. They married May 6, 1962 in Bad-Hersfeld in then West Germany and lived there for two and a half years until Walter’s retirement from the Army at Fort Hamilton, NY. Barbara and Walter toured the US for 6 months returning to Berlin to work until 1975. Barbara worked for several years in a pharmacy as inventory and supply clerk in Berlin. In 1975 Walter and Barbara left Germany and moved to Ellendale, ND. After moving to Ellendale, Barbara learned to drive for the first time in her life. In the beginning she struggled with the stick shift, but she became an accomplished driver and enjoyed driving. In 1986 Walter and Barbara moved to Blackstone, VA to be closer to Walter’s daughter and family. After Walter’s death in 1989, Barbara worked at Crew Primary School. In 1992 Barbara returned to Ellendale and worked at the Golden Rule nursing home and Evergreen Place until her retirement in 1999. Barbara was an accomplished oil paint artist. She enjoyed traveling, reading, listening to music, needlepoint, strong coffee, and being around people. Barbara is preceded in death by her parents, her husband, sister Gertraud Polenz, brothers-in-law Martin Steinwand and Victor Steinwand and sister-in-law Dorothy Bobbe. She is survived by her brothers Erich Hermes and Adolf Hermes, step-daughter Mary Virginia Barnes, brother-in-law Roger Bobbe, and sisters-in-law Millie Steinwand and Orpha Steinwand. A celebration of life will be held Saturday, June 5th at the Amy Sand farm 9213 Cemetery Road, Ellendale with visitation at 4pm and service at 5pm. Barbara will be buried with Walter at Arlington National Cemetery. Arrangements by Hoven Funeral Chapel, Ellendale.