Barbara E. Danburg

Barbara Elaine (Mittlestadt) Danburg, 66, passed away June 28, 2017. Preceded in death by her parents, Lyle and Lyla (White) Mittlestadt; sister, Audrey (Mittlestadt) Henry and stepson, Garrett Danburg. Survived by loving husband, Jerry Danburg; daughter, Tina (Mark) Buneta; sons, Jay (Angie) Larson and Joe (Shelly) Smet; step-daughters, Nicole (Forrest) Orswell, Kristine (Ed) Lowry and Kristeen Danburg; sister, Beverly (Marvin) Thatcher; brother, Glenn (Nancy) Mittlestadt; Grandchildren, Corey (Sarah) Buneta, Cameron Buneta, Caitlyn (Pedro) Gonzalez, Kelsey Buneta, Matthew Kotzmacher, Lyle Larson, Nolan Larson, Dyllin Smet, Wyatt Smet, Dillon Orswell, Kyra Orswell, Christian Lowry, Kaitlyn Lowry, Matthew Lowry, Michael Bley, and Seth Danburg; great-grandsons, William, Kayden and Kalup; nephews, Robert (Elaine) McNamara, Joe McNamara, Jeffrey (Sandy) Thatcher, and Dean (Jennifer) Thatcher; nieces, Tiffany (Wally) Fenn, and Heather (Paul) Johnson; best friends, Suzanne (Thatcher) Schultz and Kathy Jones; and many cousins, friends and colleagues.

Barb was born on November 6, 1950 in Northwestern Wisconsin. She grew up in the rolling hills of Knapp, Wisconsin, riding her beloved horse, Pearl, and getting into many memorable adventures with her best friend, Sue. At the age of 5, she battled Polio, and emerged victorious, even after the doctors prepared her parents for the worst! She loved music and blessed many with the gift of her beautiful singing voice. She also played the trumpet and was a member of the Menomonie High School Marching Band. She graduated from Menomonie High School in 1968.

Barb married Donald Larson in 1972. They shared two children, Tina and Jay. Although they divorced in 1982, they committed to co-parent their children with mutual respect and support, and they did.

In 1984, Barb met the love of her life, Jerry Danburg. They were married on June 3rd, 1987 and were blessed with 30 years of love and adventure. Together, they traveled around the world as Jerry competed in the World Police and Fire Games. She was incredibly proud of his accomplishments, and derived great pleasure from being at his side. Barb and Jerry combined their children into a single loving family – a great patchwork quilt stitched together by love. They created a fun Christmas tradition of cryptic gift wrapping, and their children would have to work together to solve the “puzzle” and identify which gifts belonged to whom. Barb loved having the family over for holiday meals, and made her own family tradition of burning the dinner rolls. Although she eventually passed the holiday meal baton to Tina, the “legend of the dinner rolls” will live in infamy. Barb and Jerry loved to ride their motorcycles, and often shared many highway adventures together, and with family. They especially enjoyed the annual POW/MIA rally in Cripple Creek and shared many local rides with Tina and Mark.

Barb deeply loved all of her children and grandchildren, regardless of biological connection. She was not the typical grandmother who spoiled her grandkids with toys or sweets. Instead, she showered them with books, puzzles, science kits, or anything that would stimulate their minds and make them think. “Nana” was very special and deeply loved by her grandchildren and great-grandsons.

Barb was a driven and successful professional. She began her service to the State of Colorado at the Pueblo Data Entry Center, as a trainer and supervisor. She later transitioned to the Colorado Lottery, where she worked in the “computer room” – a large room that contained a 500mb computer, with reels of “data backup” that she had to change out frequently. In 1988, she made the decision to go back to school, and enrolled in PCC for her AAS in Computer Programming. For two years, she worked the graveyard shift at the Lottery, slept in her car in the college parking lot for a couple of hours, went to class all day, and then slept in the late afternoon, and repeated the cycle all over again. Her hard work paid off, and she graduated with honors. This opened the door for her to grow in her career, and she eventually became a Program Development Manager for the Lottery, managing a $58 million contract with their vendors. She made many true and lasting friendships through her years with the state, and retired in 2004.

Barb’s post-retirement life was equally full and rewarding. She became an instructor at the YMCA of Pueblo, teaching water aerobics, Silver Sneakers and Zumba. She worked alongside Jerry, who also worked as a personal trainer. They stayed very active together in this capacity until her illness prevented her from continuing. During her time at the YMCA, she touched many lives and inspired many people.

Barb’s entire life was a testimony to her drive, determination and compassion. She was a friend to all, and most remembered as a person that was easy to talk to. She listened to anyone without assigning judgement and had a knack for helping others evaluate an issue from all sides. She instilled these qualities in her children and grandchildren, and there aren’t enough words to adequately capture all that she was, and is, to all who had the privilege of knowing her. She was “larger than life” in many ways, and leaves a tremendous void in the lives of those who remain here on earth.

The family wishes to express their eternal gratitude to the wonderful people of Sangre de Cristo Hospice, who provided amazing support and compassion to Barb and her family. What you did for us made all the difference in the world, and you will have our support forever. In lieu of flowers, the family asks you to please consider making a donation to Sangre de Cristo Hospice in Barb’s memory.

Barb’s Celebration of Life will be held on Friday, July 7th, 2:00pm, at Imperial Funeral Home. Reception to follow.