In Memory: Barb Kneynsberg

Early this morning, one of Illinois' bravest and strongest conservative heroines, Barb Kneynsberg, was called home to her eternal furlough in heaven.

Barb, the wife of Brian and mother of four amazing children -- Briane, Brenna, Jordan and Jared -- was 50 years old when an AVM* in her brain began to bleed.

Living her entire adult life with an AVM that could take her life at any time made Barb ever aware of how urgent and crucial each moment was.  She was a devoted wife and mother.  She homeschooled the children fulltime for years, and then when they grew older, she took a job working with domestic abuse cases through the Will County courts. 

Barb's heart was so burdened for her family and for America.  She never ceased to pray that God would change America.  Her prayers caused her to knock on doors in her hometown of New Lenox, and offer help wherever it was needed, especially as a local home school group leader, a Concerned Women for America chapter leader or an Eagle Forum board member.  Her energy was boundless.

The AVM began to bleed about three months ago.  Her husband Brian and her nursing student daughter Brenna were unfailing in their commitment to her welfare as they fought for her full restoration.  It just wasn't to be.  Barb was to be fully healed in heaven.

Illinois conservatives lost a warrior this morning at 12:48 am.  Today she is rejoicing, singing and dancing, fully healed at the feet of Jesus.  We rejoice for her.

I thank God for Barb Kneynsberg.  With her home-going, I personally lost a very dear friend and the most committed pray-er I've ever known.  She taught me, like no other person, to live life urgently and fully and with purpose each day.  I will miss her.

IR will post details as the family lets us know.  Pray for them today. 

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*AVM -- Arteriovenous malformations are masses of abnormal blood vessels which grow in the brain.

Comments

[Cal Skinner]

Please tell us what an AVM is.

I am sure you have emphasized Barb's most important attributes, but she also was Will County coordinator for Al Salvi's Senate primary campaign, right?

I thought she should run for public office, but getting that last name on a yard sign was a challenge.

"K-9's berg" was the best I could come up with.

She shall be greatly missed.

[Fran]

Barb was Will County coordinator for the 1996 U.S. Senate run. Since that time, Barb and the Salvis have remained close friends.

[Dave Smith]

I first met Barb while lobbying in Springfield for Internet filtering legislation. She had two of her homeschooled children with her, and I was impressed with how confident and willing they were in speaking to legislators.

We may have lost a great culture warrior here in Illinois, but the victory for Barb has now been fully realized. I praise God for her solid testimony and her undeniable faith in our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Even if you didn’t know her, please keep her family in your prayers, as they mourn the passing of their mother and wife.

[Jon Zahm]

Very sad news. I do not know anyone in the conservative movement who did not respect, admire, and appreciate her 100%. Many prayers and condolences to her family...

Jon Zahm

[Joe Maun]

Please share my deepest sympathy to the Barb's family. She was a good person of the highest moral courage. Always willing to provide an insight and share her optimistic viewpoint. She will be missed in the conservative community.

[Becky Millner]

As a homeschooled teen, who has since left home and studied political science in DC, I can say that Barb taught me more about politics than anyone, with any degree or title, in Washington. She taught me that politics can be noble and that we all have a duty to make our voices heard.