Obituaries : Barry James Lefstad

Barry James Lefstad, 83, of Vinton, passed away peacefully on April 9th, 2026, surrounded by his loving family.

Barry was born on August 15th, 1942, at Wood County Hospital in Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin to Helen (Ahrens) and Max Lefstad.  In 1949, the family moved to Lincoln, Illinois, where Max and Helen built and operated an A&W drive-in restaurant.  In 1955, they relocated to Vinton, where they purchased and continued operating an A&W drive-in.

Barry graduated from Washington High School in Vinton in 1960.  In 1964, he enlisted in the United States Airforce.  He began his service at Lackland Air Force Base in Texas, where he completed basic training, followed by technical school in Wichita Falls, Texas.  He was later stationed at Yokota Air Force Base in Fujimaki, Japan where he spent three years before being honorably discharged in December 1968.  Of his time in the Air Force, Barry said he most enjoyed talking with and getting to know the Japanese locals, visiting Mt. Fuji, and trying sushi for the first time.

Following his military service, Barry had a very successful career in Vinton, beginning in 1968 at the State Bank of Vinton.  He dedicated 35 years to the bank and retired in 2003.  In 1979, he married Nancy Courbat, the love of his life and mother of their two children.  Their daughter, Erika, was born in 1982, followed by their son, Brian, in 1986.  Barry adored his children and they adored him.  He was a steady and loving father and husband.

Barry loved pheasant hunting and fishing at Lake of the Woods in Ontario, Canada. He enjoyed bowling league, playing cards and golfing, and he really enjoyed slow pitch “old-man” softball.  He was an active member of the Lions Club and served on the Board of Directors at Trinity Lutheran Church, the Vinton Lutheran Home, and the Vinton Public Library.  He also served as President of the Vinton Historical Society.  Barry was an avid numismatist and found great joy in collecting and appraising coins.

Barry is survived by his wife, Nancy Lefstad; his two children, Erika (Danny) Su, and Brian Lefstad; and grandson Cove Su.  He was preceded in death by his sister, Caryl Lloyd, and his parents, Max and Helen Lefstad.

Visitation will be Friday, April 17th from 9:00 a.m. to 10:45 a.m., followed by a funeral service at 11:00 a.m. at Trinity Lutheran Church in Vinton, with Rev. Stephen Preus officiating.  Interment will take place at Evergreen Cemetery in Vinton, with a luncheon to follow at Trinity Lutheran Church.

Online condolences:  www.phillipsfuneralhomes.com