Dr. Barbara D. Greim, Ph.D., of Rock Island, passed away on Sunday, April 5, 2015, in Rockford, surrounded by her family.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, April 25, at 11:30 a.m. at First Presbyterian Church in Davenport, where Barbara was a member. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to a scholarship, which is being established in Barbara's name for foreign language students at Black Hawk College.
She was born on April 10, 1948, to Edward C. and Irene Peterson Greim.
Barbara graduated third in her class from Rock Island High School in 1966. She received her B.A. magna cum laude from MacMurray College in 1970. She received her M.A. in 1972, and her Ph.D. in Germanic linguistics from University of Illinois in 1979. While pursuing her degrees, Barbara spent long periods studying abroad in Germany, Austria and France.
Barbara was a professor of German and French language and culture. She held positions at University of Illinois, University of Wisconsin (Madison), Augustana College, Marycrest International University, St. Ambrose University and Black Hawk College. She also taught German and French at Harvester Product Development and John Deere for employees planning to work abroad.
During her lifetime, Barbara traveled to many countries, as well as to many locations in the U.S. She also enjoyed many years playing her trombone with the Bettendorf Park Band. Her life was shorter than it should have been, but she lived it to the fullest. She will be remembered for her devotion to her students and teaching, her kindness, generosity, sense of humor and her love of family and friends. Everyone who knew her will remember her wonderful laugh.
Survivors include brother, Gerald Greim, Springfield; sister Delores Duffy, Rockford; nephews, Christopher (Amy) Martin, M.D., Jason Martin, Devin Martin and Michael Duffy; niece, Stacey (Geoff) Wilde; and many cherished grandnieces and -nephews. She also is survived by her beloved kitten, Timothy. She was predeceased by her parents; sister, Debra Greim Martin; niece, Heather Crites Duarte; and brother-in-law, Stephen Duffy.