- Date Of Birth: July 30, 1969
- Date Of Death: February 17, 2022
- State: Illinois
Andrea L. (Barnett) Kalb, 52, passed away February 17, 2022 in her home in Galesburg, Illinois surrounded by her loved ones. Andrea was born on July 30, 1969 in Lapeer, Michigan, daughter of Nancy and Larry Barnett.
In addition to her many beloved extended surviving family members, Andrea is survived by her father, Larry Barnett and step-mother Annie, of Caro, Michigan, her sister, Kendra (Dan) Pridemore of Howell, Michigan, her three daughters, Rylie Kalb of Kansas City, Missouri, Madison Kalb of Minneapolis, Minnesota and Chloe Kalb of Iowa City, Iowa, along with her former husband and father of her daughters, Rob Kalb of Wataga, and her boyfriend David Fields of Galesburg. Andrea is also survived by three nieces, Kelsey (Andrew) Rising of Washington D.C., Kyla (Evan) Lane of Wataga and Stella Kalb of San Diego, California; and four nephews, Jacob Pridemore of Brighton, Michigan, Noah (Emily) Bledsoe of Knoxville, Brody Bledsoe of Wataga and Maximus Kalb of San Diego, California. Andrea was preceded in death by her mother, Nancy (Peterson) Barnett.
Andrea was a light to all who knew her, and her friendships span across the Midwest and world. She was raised in the small town of Almont, Michigan, and attended Almont High School. While there, she ran track, played tennis and was on honor roll. After her mother passed away from breast cancer, she finished high school and began college at Western Michigan University.
Andrea later attended Bradley University in Peoria, Illinois, where she studied international business and also met Rob Kalb. They were married on June 4, 1994 in Oneida, Illinois. She later went on to pursue her MBA at Northern Illinois University in DeKalb, Illinois, and began her career as a contractor for the U.S. Army.
Andrea worked at the Rock Island Arsenal as a Contracting Branch Chief and served the U.S. Army for a combined 16 years after being a stay-at-home mom for many years. She was a tough negotiator and was absolutely adored by her coworkers. She was a compassionate supervisor to many, believing in the potential of those who worked hardest for it.
Andrea was an avid sports lover and fan, cheering on the Nebraska Cornhuskers football and volleyball teams with Rylie and Madi and the St. Louis Cardinals with David. She enjoyed staying active as a member of Badlands Athletics Strength and Conditioning in Moline, where she loved flipping tires and throwing battle ropes. Andrea was her children’s biggest cheerleader throughout their numerous sports and activities as a timer for the swim team and a member of the R.O.W.V.A. PTO. She also loved quiet moments painting, trying out a new craft or watching the newest show.
Andrea also loved adventure and traveled across the globe seeking it. Her travels took her to Jordan, France, Italy, Spain, Netherlands, Germany, Ireland, Puerto Rico and Mexico. She loved experiencing new cultures and finding the local spots to try. She also brought three foreign exchange students, Vania, Clementine and Iben, into her home, offering an American experience to them and a new culture to her girls.
She fought cancer bravely and fiercely, fueled by a love for her girls. She enjoyed the simple pleasures, like a pan of brownies, a cold beer or just the sun on her skin. She taught her girls the value of a good deal but also the appreciation for the finer things in life. More than anything, she taught her children what unconditional love as a mother looks like.
Although her time did not last as long as we hoped and she deserved, her passion for life will live on in all who knew her and were loved by her.
