Barbara Fay Mansell

Barbara Mansell age 67 went home to be with her heavenly father on August 22, 2021 at her home in Twin Lakes, Michigan surrounded by her family. Barb fought a 5 year battle with cancer. She was a very strong Christian and ministered to many; leading countless numbers of souls to the Lord. When she was 12 years old, she received a calling from God. He gave her a heart to minister to others, and she loved Jesus and shared the salvation message with everyone she met. This was her lifetime ambition.

Barb was born June 21, 1954 to Edwin and June Knapp in Frankfort, Michigan. Barb was the oldest of 5 children and grew up helping take care of the younger children, helping cook meals and picking fruit with the family. She was a good student and graduated from Benzie Central High School in 1972. She married Dennis Weir and joined the Air Force and later the Coast guard reserves. She worked various jobs around the Beulah and Traverse City area

Barb moved to Chassell, Michigan in 1992 and worked at the Houghton County Assessor’s office for 10 years until her retirement. May 5, 2001 Barb married Dave Mansell. They then opened the Yooper Lodge, a rental, and Dave’s wood bin and sled hauling. Barb was the manager and bookkeeper. She also founded and ran Alpha Tours and Expeditions and enjoyed taking groups on tours to the area casinos, Branson, Alaska, Washington DC, and New York City. She was an avid entrepreneur. She sold Tupperware, Watkins, and Amway during her lifetime.

She spent her time working for the Lord. She organized many retreats, including holding Saturday morning women’s breakfast, for female family and friends. She played the guitar and led many Bible studies in her home. The Knapp Mansell singers held Singspiration at Trout Creek Assembly of God for several years.

Barb and her mother, June, were thrift store and garage sale queens. They found many treasures on their weekly hunts. The day often ended with a trip to the ice cream parlor. Later in life Barb planned family trips with her children and grandchildren. They made special memories, which they will treasure forever.

Barb is survived by her husband Dave of Twin Lakes. Two sons Bryan (Chris) Weir of Twin Lakes and Eric (Angie) Weir of Brillion, Wisconsin five grandchildren Alex, Keith and Brandon Weir of Twin Lakes and Sarah and Emily Weir of Brillion, Wisconsin. One sister Nancy (Dave) Mitchell of Thompsonville, Michigan; three brothers Ken (Kathy) Knapp of Beulah, Michigan, Don (Gwen) Knapp of Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, Steve of Baraga. She is also survived by many nieces and nephews. She is survived by special friends Lorrie and Joe Jaracz, Mary Ann and John Jarvi and Missionaries Marlain, Jonathan, Feliz, and Isabelle Birdi.

She was preceded in death by her parents Edwin and June Knapp, her mother and father in law Travis and Pauline Mansell and brother in law Tom Mansell.

A private service is being held at her home, in Twin Lakes, for close family and friends on Saturday. Memorials can be sent to the family at 32212 State Highway M26, Toivola, MI. 49965 or Hospice of Houghton County. We want to especially thank Sonia, our Hospice Nurse, for her superior care and Laurie, an awesome CNA. We give a special thank you to Tina and Troy Pobich, owners of Krupps Mini Mart, for all their support.

Cane Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

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