Barbara (Fairbairn) Montang, 82, of Mason City, Iowa, joined her Heavenly Father and family, early the morning of August 7, 2022.
Barbara, the first born child to Eldora and Ralph Fairbairn of Preston, Minn., arrived at Dr. Johnson’s Hospital on May 1, 1940, in Lanesboro, Minn. She attended Preston Elementary and High Schools. During her educational years Barbara participated in the school’s band, choir and thespian activities, graduating with the Class of 1958. Barbara furthered her education at Mankato State University (graduating in 1962) with a degree in Consumer & Family Sciences. Her degree brought her the opportunities to teach in Jackson, Minn., Rochester, Minn., and to substitute teach in the Mason City School system.
While visiting family members in Preston, Barb met the love of her life… Dale Montang, an engineer for the Milwaukee Railroad, who was stationed in her hometown. Needless to say, the feelings were mutual and the couple were married at St. Columban’s Catholic Church in Preston on July 3, 1965. The Montangs moved to Mason City, Iowa, shortly after their wedding, as Dale received an employment transfer.
While Dale had to travel during the week on lengthy train runs, Barbara kept the home fires burning. She kept track of and attended the school events of their three children, Michele, Mark and John. She was one of the most organized women in NE Iowa. However, she also found time to volunteer and participate in events for St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, a ladies football club, a Bridge club and volunteered for various community organizations. Longstanding members of the Mason City Country Club, the couple also enjoyed spending many winters on Dauphin Island, Ala.
It is with great sadness that Barbara’s family bids her farewell, but we know that she will be, forever in our hearts.
Barbara is survived by her beloved husband Dale, their children and grandchildren: Michele Montang and children Claire and Cole (Florida); Mark and Kathy Montang and children Charlie, Ella, Molly and JT (Minnesota); and John and Lynn Montang and children Max and Madelyn (Oregon). Barb is also survived by her brother and sister-in-law Douglas and Peggy Fairbairn (Ohio), her sister Fran Fairbairn-Sauer and sister-in-law Carole Fairbairn (Minnesota); her sister-in-law Judy Carr, and brothers-in-law Tom and Mike Montang.
Barbara was preceded in death by her parents, her brother James D. Fairbairn, and her brother-in-law Dr. R.L.Sauer.
A Celebration of Life was held on Friday, August 12, 2022, from 5-7 p.m. at the Highland Golf and Country Club. Barbara’s funeral was Saturday, August 13 at Holy Family Catholic Church, Mason City. Internment took place Sunday, August 14 at Crown Hill Cemetery in Preston, Minn.
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