Barbara Thomas Rakstad

Profile Updated: June 14, 2023
Residing In Normal, IL USA
Spouse/Partner Ronald Rakstad (deceased 1995)
Occupation Retired Sr Life Insurance Underwriter
Children Joseph David Rakstad born 1977, married Paula Beavers in 2001
Grandchildren: Isaac born 2003, Amelia More…born 2005, Lydia born 2008, Ella born 2010, Nora born 2014, Saleh born 2016.
Yes! Attending Reunion
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I went to the University of Northern Colorado (Greeley), and graduated in 1973 w/degrees in Speech Pathology and Audiology. I worked as a speech pathologist in an elementary school in Brockton MT for three years. I married a local guy in 1974, but returned to MN in 1979 when we divorced, and started working in the insurance industry in 1979. I became life insurance underwriter for Western Life in Woodbury in 1986, then moved to St Louis in 1989 to continue in this field with General American Life Insurance Co. GenAm was bought by MetLife in 2000, and I had to move to PA in 2004 (commuting to Bridgewater NJ) to keep my job. I moved back to St Louis in 2006 when telecommuting was initiated, to be near my son and his family, and then moved to Normal IL in 2009 after my son got an actuary job at State Farm in Bloomington. I am now retired and enjoy being a small part of my six grandchildrens' lives. I am still a huge MN Twins fan and love to travel; I have been to all 50 states now, after cruises to Alaska in 9/22 and Hawaii in 1/23. I have future cruise trips planned to Europe, South America, and Mexico; and further in the future would like to cruise to Australia/New Zealand and maybe even an around-the-world cruise. I'm hooked!

School Story

One particularly fond memory is being part of a massed band in Decorah, IA my senior year. Students were invited from MN, WI, and IA (if memory serves), and I was chosen from our school along with Judy Golden, Roger Oberg, and Jerry Wahl. It was such an honor for us four, and this is why our band leader, Robert Klein, was probably one of my favorite high school teachers.
One other fond memory is being part of our annual Christmas concerts (yes, we called them that back then!), which were always well attended by the community.

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Jun 29, 2023 at 11:33 AM

Belated Happy BIrthday, Jodi! I'm late because I've been travelling- I hope you had a wonderful day!

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Jun 14, 2023 at 3:46 PM
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Jun 14, 2023 at 3:37 PM
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Apr 10, 2023 at 10:52 AM

Happy Birthday, Nancy! Hope to see you at our 55th reunion!

Mar 11, 2023 at 8:39 PM

Happy Happy Birthday, Janine! Hope you will have a wonderful day!

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Nov 29, 2022 at 11:23 AM
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Nov 28, 2022 at 4:30 PM

Posted on: Nov 27, 2022 at 10:50 AM

Happy Birthday, David!

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Nov 17, 2022 at 3:26 PM
Nov 14, 2022 at 5:43 PM

Joann passed away on Oct 30 2022 due to pancreatic cancer.

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Sep 17, 2022 at 1:47 PM
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Sep 17, 2022 at 1:46 PM
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Aug 16, 2022 at 9:36 PM
Jul 31, 2022 at 12:28 PM

Happy Birthday, Kitty! Have a wonderful day!

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Jun 17, 2022 at 12:41 PM