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Barbara Mach, 94, of Yankton, S.D., died on Sunday, Jan. 14, 2024, at Avera McKennan Hospital in Sioux Falls, S.D.
Funeral services will be held at 2:30 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 20, at Wintz & Ray Funeral Home in Yankton, with Rev. Errin Mulberry officiating. Burial will be in Garden of Memories Cemetery in Yankton. Visitation is one hour prior to the funeral at Wintz & Ray Funeral Home in Yankton.
Pallbearers are her grandson and honorary pallbearers are her granddaughters.
Barbara Jean Mach was born Aug. 4, 1929, to Dan and Anna (Marek) Schmoll in Tyndall, S.D. She joined two sisters, Elsie and Delores. Barb grew up during the enormous hardship of the Depression era. Because of that, she had strength, determination and a strong work ethic that began during her school years and continued throughout her life. She graduated from Tyndall High School in 1947. One of her first jobs was working at the Bon Homme Extension Office.
On June 30, 1954, Barb was united in marriage to Jerry Mach. After the military, Jerry and Barb began their married life in Brookings, S.D., with Jerry attending SDSU and Barb working for the Brookings County Extension. While there, Steve and Tim were born. Upon Jerry's graduation in 1957, the family moved to Martin, S.D., for Jerry’s first county extension appointment. They lived in Martin for seven years, in which time Teresa and Patty were born. They moved to Flandreau, S.D. in 1964, where they raised their children and spent the rest of their working years, Jerry as a county extension agent and Barb working as a typesetter for the local newspaper.
Barb was a very busy mother of four children. She worked outside the home and was active in her church and community. She strived to attend all the sports, music and 4-H activities her children were involved in. Jerry and Barb retired to Yankton in December 2002. The following fall, Jerry unexpectedly passed away and Barb continued to live independently for many years. In the fall of 2022, she moved to Sioux Falls to be closer to family.
Faith was vital to Barb’s life. She was baptized in June of 1947 at St. Leo’s Catholic Church in Tyndall. Barb often used her spiritual gifts of service and hospitality. At both Catholic churches in Flandreau and Yankton, she was active in the Catholic Daughters, served families during funerals and administered communion to nursing home residents. She also volunteered at the local food pantry.
Barb had many interests. She enjoyed gatherings where she could host people for holiday meals and for coffee parties. She was a skilled baker, known for her cinnamon rolls and Czech kolaches. She enjoyed her coffee group, “The Muffin Ladies.” She was an avid sports fan, whether it be football, basketball, volleyball or baseball. She was artistically creative, spending hours sewing, flower and wreath arranging. Barb loved reading. She always had a puzzle on the card table, and speaking of cards, Barb and Jerry were both enthusiastic card players. They loved playing pinochle, cribbage and other games with family and friends. No family gathering was complete without a game (or five!). Barb always looked forward to her weekly canasta game with her very special friends. Even though she was hearing impaired, through technology and determination, she found ways to continue doing things she loved.
Grateful to have shared her life are her children: Steve (Carmen) Mach of Sioux Falls, S.D.; Tim (Bev) Mach of Dubuque; Teresa (Brad) Pratt of North Mankato, Minn.; and Patty (Dave) Halse of Rock Rapids; grandchildren: Jennie (John) Warden, Dan (Kate) Mach, Bill (Kara) Mach, John (Alicia) Mach, Bryan (Kari) Pratt, Darci Pratt, Matt Halse, Sam (Briana) Halse, Sarah (Nick) deVries and Becky (Grant) Metzger; 15 great-grandchildren; nieces, nephews and special friends, Michael and Denise Erickson.
Barb was preceded in death by her husband Jerry; her sisters and a nephew.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the South Dakota School for the Deaf, 4101 W. 38th St. Suite 101 in Sioux Falls, S.D. 57106 or by visiting their website: www.sddeaf.org.
To send a message to the family, visit www.wintzrayfuneralhome.com.
