Barbara Bernice Knisely Gaeddert
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Barbara Bernice Knisely Gaeddert was born on March 29, 1942 the daughter of Orson W. Knisely and Bernice Varner Knisely and passed away on Wednesday, November 24, 2021 at Pioneer Ridge Assisted Living in Lawrence.
Barb attended the Sandusky Public Schools in Ohio and graduated from Oberlin College in Ohio with a Bachelor’s of Arts in 1964 and went on to graduate from Western Reserve University School of Library Science in Cleveland, OH with a MSLS in 1965.
She was a member of Plymouth Congregational Church in Lawrence.
Barbara’s lifetime hobbies and interests included enjoying cats, sewing, reading, family history, classical music, and travel.
Her career included positions at the Deere & Company Corporate Library in Moline, IL, Northwestern State College of Louisiana in Natchitoches, LA, University of Iowa Libraries in Iowa City, IA, and the University of Kansas Libraries. She was the author of several articles in library journals.
She is survived by friends and cousins.
She married her husband, William Kenneth Gaeddert in July 1967. He preceded her in death on May 7, 2019. They were married 51 years. She was also preceded in death by her parents.
A memorial service will be held at 10:00 a.m. Thursday, December 9, 2021 at Warren-McElwain Mortuary in Lawrence. Burial will be held at a later date at Beulah Cemetery in Colby KS.
Memorial contributions may be made in Barbara’s name to a charity of donor’s choice and may be sent in care of Warren-McElwain Mortuary, 120 W. 13th Street, Lawrence, KS 66044.
Warm condolences to Barb’s family.
We were so saddened to hear of Barbara’s passing. She was a lovely patient. May her memory forever be a blessing.
Barb was married to my cousin Kenneth. We had many wonderful times together. She is remembered for so many wonderful things, but most of all her phrase, “isn’t that just exquisite”. I can still hear her say that when she felt that an item, meal, event was above and beyond perfection. Barb, you will be missed.
Barb was a lovely person and a caring, wonderful friend to me and many others. We will all miss her very much.
Barbara was one of the most positive persons one could ever know. She and Bill were great members of our communities at Baker University and the University of Kansas. Rest in peace, dear person.
What a wonderful supporter and friend Barb was to me throughout my training under Bill and my career in music. She was always kind and had an open door for me wherever I was in life. I am deeply saddened for our loss. I offer love and comfort to family, friends and all who knew Barbara.
What a beautiful soul Barb was. She was very dear to me. I worked for her and Bill as their house cleaner for almost 13 years. She became such a wonderful friend, over the years.. she always had a smile, a joke, or a positive compliment ready for me. She will be missed by so many. I feel blessed to have had her in my world. Rest in peace Barb.
I worked with Barb for almost 10 years in the KU Libraries’ Cataloging Department. I was fortunate that she helped train me when I was a novice cataloger. She was kind,
caring and witty; her presence brightened up the basement of Watson Library.
I have many fond memories of Barb and will miss her. May she rest in peace and
be reunited with her husband Bill. My sincere condolences to Barb’s extended family and friends.
I’m so glad I knew Barbara – such a shining light. And her wonderful husband Bill. Blessings to the family. Joyce Castle
I met Barb after her marriage to Bill, my friend and college music fraternity faculty advisor. After my graduation in 1969, I stayed in touch with the Gaedderts through Christmas cards, phone calls, and the internet. We were honored with a visit to our home in Georgia several years ago. I was saddened by Bill’s passing. Today I attempted to call Barb after finding a picture she took during that visit. Finding her phone disconnected, I found her obituary online, and am sorry to learn of her death. Rest in peace, sweet lady!