As received from Memorial Chapel Funeral and Cremation Service:
Barbara Alayne (Bluege) Lide, an emerita professor (Humanities) at Michigan Tech, died at the Omega House on Friday, January 24, 2025. She was 90 years old.
Barbara was born to Edna and Hugo W. Bluege in Chicago. She and her husband Francis (Frank) married on June 17, 1967, in Wake Forrest, NC. The two met at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, where they were graduate students.
Barbara’s doctorate was in comparative literature, with a special focus on the works of Swedish playwright August Strindberg. She came to Michigan Tech in 1976, where she taught classes in comparative literature, German language, and composition. During school holidays, she often traveled to Stockholm, Sweden for research. She retired in 2003.
Barbara was preceded in death by her husband, Francis Lide, PhD.
She is survived by her sister, Arlene Kurzka, of Boca Raton, Florida, by Arlene’s children — Pamela, Thomas (Dawn), and Mark — and by Arlene’s granddaughter, Diana.
In addition to her academic work, Barbara was active in many local arts programs, including the Michigan Tech Concert Choir, the annual Omega House Fundraiser, and the Maple Sugar Folk musical group. Barbara also enjoyed participating in local theater productions with the Michigan Tech Department of Visual and Performing Arts.
Many friends of Barbara and Frank recall the couple’s annual winter holiday open house parties where guests could sample gourmet meats and wines served buffet style around the dining room table.
One attribute of Barbara that no one can deny: she was a dog person, and she gave her pets names from her favorite Swedish authors.
In her declining years, Barbara received much care and attention from her devoted neighbors, Philip (Buck) and Karen Foltz.
The Memorial Chapel Funeral & Cremation Service – Hancock Chapel is helping with Barbara’s final arrangements.
Her many friends are arranging a memorial service for her at 1 p.m. on Saturday, February 15 at the Keweenaw Unitarian Universalist Fellowship Church at 604 Bridge Street in Houghton. All who knew Barbara are welcome to attend.
To view Barbara’s obituary or to send condolences please visit www.memorialchapel.net.
