Barbara Jean “Barb” Morgan
February 8th, 1940 - July 22nd, 2025
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Barb's Obituary
Barbara Jean Morgan, 85, of Dowagiac, passed away on Tuesday, July 22nd, 2025 peacefully in her home surrounded by her family.
The family will receive guests from 12noon until the Celebration of Life Service at 1:00 P.M., Wednesday, July 30th, at Clark Chapel - Starks Family Funeral Homes, 405 Center St., Dowagiac. Burial to follow at South Wayne Cemetery, 22301 Gage St., Dowagiac. Memorial contributions may be made to Clark Chapel, to assist the family with funeral arrangements. Those wishing to leave an online condolence for the family may do so at www.clarkch.com.
Barbara was born on February 8th, 1940 at her family farm in Dowagiac, to Michael and Edith (Sibley) Krager, Sr. Barbara was one of nine siblings and carried the strength, spirit, and resilience of her roots with her throughout her life.
Barbara married the love of her life, the late Hildred Ben Morgan. Together, they built a life anchored in love, hard work, and unwavering family values. Barbara exemplified dedication in all she did, working six years at Ideal Nursing Home before beginning a remarkable 44-year career as a machine operator at Du-Well/ICG. Her strong work ethic and commitment were unmatched.
Outside of work, Barbara had enthusiasm for life and a passion for the things she loved. She was the best travel partner, a devoted birdwatcher, a skilled crocheter, a talented gardener, a joyful bowler, and a proud collector of antiques. She found delight in country music especially the songs of her favorite, Al Mott. Barbara never passed up a chance to dance, often twirling to a Polka in high heels and a bright smile. She loved to get dolled up and go out, always bringing energy and light into every room she entered. Barbara's vibrant energy was infectious.
Barbara’s heart was as generous as it was strong. She gardened fruits and vegetables with her family each year, giving most of the fresh produce away to friends, neighbors, and those in need before canning what was left to share with her loved ones. Her hands were always busy—working, giving, helping—but never too busy to hold a hand or offer kind words.
She was the glue that held her family together. Family meant everything to Barbara, and she never missed a birthday, gathering, or celebration. Her favorite event of all was the annual Krager Reunion, which she looked forward to with excitement each year. She encouraged everyone around her to show up, not just for events, but for each other.
Barbara was known for seeing the good in everyone. She never spoke ill of anyone and would gladly give her last dollar to help someone else. She was a woman of grace and strength—steadfast and loving until her very last breath. Barbara Jean Morgan leaves behind a legacy of love, kindness, and strength. She will be remembered for her beautiful spirit, her boundless generosity, and the joy she brought to all who knew her.
Barbara is survived by her children, Kimberley (Jason Pressley) Tanzillo, Dennis Morgan, and Pamela Morgan; grandchildren Natasha (Tony) Stewart, Benjamin Friske, Morgan (Dustin) Bushouse, Tiffany Tanzillo, Cole Canniff, Madison Canniff, Zachary Canniff, Jenna Pressley, Destiny Morgan, Jason Pressley, and Phillip Pressley; Daughter in Law Deborah Friske; Sister, Mable Hartman; Sister-in-Laws Sandy Krager and Sally Krager; and 8 great grandchildren. She was proceeded in death by her husband, Hildred Ben Morgan; son Robert Friske; parents, Michael and Edith Krager; siblings, Linda Palmer, Johnny Krager, Michael Krager Jr., Nancy Kelley, Rose Eggleston, Ruby Moore, Loretta Koch, Beverly Krager, and Alice Krager; and longtime partner, Larry Waldschmidt.
The family will receive guests from 12noon until the Celebration of Life Service at 1:00 P.M., Wednesday, July 30th, at Clark Chapel - Starks Family Funeral Homes, 405 Center St., Dowagiac. Burial to follow at South Wayne Cemetery, 22301 Gage St., Dowagiac. Memorial contributions may be made to Clark Chapel, to assist the family with funeral arrangements. Those wishing to leave an online condolence for the family may do so at www.clarkch.com.
Barbara was born on February 8th, 1940 at her family farm in Dowagiac, to Michael and Edith (Sibley) Krager, Sr. Barbara was one of nine siblings and carried the strength, spirit, and resilience of her roots with her throughout her life.
Barbara married the love of her life, the late Hildred Ben Morgan. Together, they built a life anchored in love, hard work, and unwavering family values. Barbara exemplified dedication in all she did, working six years at Ideal Nursing Home before beginning a remarkable 44-year career as a machine operator at Du-Well/ICG. Her strong work ethic and commitment were unmatched.
Outside of work, Barbara had enthusiasm for life and a passion for the things she loved. She was the best travel partner, a devoted birdwatcher, a skilled crocheter, a talented gardener, a joyful bowler, and a proud collector of antiques. She found delight in country music especially the songs of her favorite, Al Mott. Barbara never passed up a chance to dance, often twirling to a Polka in high heels and a bright smile. She loved to get dolled up and go out, always bringing energy and light into every room she entered. Barbara's vibrant energy was infectious.
Barbara’s heart was as generous as it was strong. She gardened fruits and vegetables with her family each year, giving most of the fresh produce away to friends, neighbors, and those in need before canning what was left to share with her loved ones. Her hands were always busy—working, giving, helping—but never too busy to hold a hand or offer kind words.
She was the glue that held her family together. Family meant everything to Barbara, and she never missed a birthday, gathering, or celebration. Her favorite event of all was the annual Krager Reunion, which she looked forward to with excitement each year. She encouraged everyone around her to show up, not just for events, but for each other.
Barbara was known for seeing the good in everyone. She never spoke ill of anyone and would gladly give her last dollar to help someone else. She was a woman of grace and strength—steadfast and loving until her very last breath. Barbara Jean Morgan leaves behind a legacy of love, kindness, and strength. She will be remembered for her beautiful spirit, her boundless generosity, and the joy she brought to all who knew her.
Barbara is survived by her children, Kimberley (Jason Pressley) Tanzillo, Dennis Morgan, and Pamela Morgan; grandchildren Natasha (Tony) Stewart, Benjamin Friske, Morgan (Dustin) Bushouse, Tiffany Tanzillo, Cole Canniff, Madison Canniff, Zachary Canniff, Jenna Pressley, Destiny Morgan, Jason Pressley, and Phillip Pressley; Daughter in Law Deborah Friske; Sister, Mable Hartman; Sister-in-Laws Sandy Krager and Sally Krager; and 8 great grandchildren. She was proceeded in death by her husband, Hildred Ben Morgan; son Robert Friske; parents, Michael and Edith Krager; siblings, Linda Palmer, Johnny Krager, Michael Krager Jr., Nancy Kelley, Rose Eggleston, Ruby Moore, Loretta Koch, Beverly Krager, and Alice Krager; and longtime partner, Larry Waldschmidt.
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