Barbara Gradin Obituary

Gradin

Barbara Gradin

July 26, 1936

February 4, 2022



Barbara Lee Knowlson Gradin, age 85, went to be with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on February 4, 2022, surrounded by her husband and children.

Barbara was born in Detroit, Michigan, on July 26, 1936, to Dr. (DDS) Boyd and Margaret Knowlson. At a young age she gave her life to Christ and never wavered in her commitment and service to her Lord. She graduated from Wheaton College and went to serve at Faith Academy in the Philippines in 1961 where she met Dwight Gradin, who was briefly delayed in Manila on his way into Viet Nam as a Bible translator. Trusting the work of God in their lives, they were eventually married on June 13, 1964, and served in Viet Nam under Wycliffe Bible Translators in one of the 50 minority languages of that region.

In 1971, the Gradins transitioned from actual cross-cultural service to the training of cross-cultural Christian workers at Mission Training International in Farmington, Michigan, now located in Palmer Lake, Colorado. Barbara specialized in language acquisition training and was involved with MTI for almost 50 years. Known for her sound advice, wisdom, wit, and the spinning of a tale, she had worldwide impact on those whom she trained over these many years at MTI. She is most beloved by her family. Her presence, voice, hospitality, game playing, piano playing, and wonderful cooking will be missed tremendously. She was an example of faith and trust in God to all who encountered her.

Barbara is survived by her husband Dwight, together 57 years; her 3 children--Doug (Joy) Gradin (Farmington Hills, MI), Andrea (Ryan) Tepley (Colorado Springs), Mark (Suzanne) Gradin (Colorado Springs); her brother Boyd (Linda) Knowlson (Brownsburg, IN); her niece Heather (Troy) Frank (Fishers, IN); and 8 grandchildren--Carli (Justin) Pepper, Aerin Gradin, Rylie (Kelsey) Meloche; Lauryn, Rachel and Samuel Tepley; and Annika and Ezekiel Gradin.

A viewing and visitation will take place on Saturday, February 12, 2022, from 4:00-6:30 pm at Swan Law Funeral Home (501 N. Cascade Ave. in Colorado Springs). There will be a private internment. A Memorial Service will be held at Village 7 Presbyterian Church (4040 Nonchalant Cir S, Colorado Springs) on Saturday, March 5, at 1:00 pm (Live-streaming available). Memorial gifts and donations can be made to Mission Training International, Box 1220, Palmer Lake, CO 80133.