Barbara F. Kaiser Memorial Scholarship

Barbara F. "Babe" Kaiser,  was born to German-Russian parents, Andrew and Barbara Appelhans in Sterling on February 6, 1929. She was the youngest of five children. Barbara's father died when she was two years old, and it was during this time forward that she developed her hard work ethic and no-nonsense approach to life. Barbara graduated from St. Anthony's Catholic High School. She married Alex Adam Kaiser at the age of twenty-three. From this union three children were born, Jerald, Alexes and Steven. Alex worked at the sugar beet factory to support his family, while Barbara worked at a meat packing plant as a bookkeeper. When the 5 o'clock whistle blew at the sugar beet factory, the kids knew to run for home to meet their father for family supper. Alex passed away after twenty-seven years of marriage. 

Barbara began working part-time at the Logan County Courthouse in the treasurer's office. She discovered that she loved this new career, and would later determine that she would run for Logan County Treasurer. Barbara was elected and would serve three terms as the Logan County Treasurer, thoroughly enjoying her job at the court house. After retirement, she enjoyed daily coffee at McDonalds with friends, playing cards and Bunco, and keeping up on her grandchildren's activities. 

During her life Barbara was a member of the Saint Anthony's Catholic Church and the St. Joan of Arc Circle. She followed closely, with pride, the activities, especially academics, which her children and later grandchildren were involved in. She was a great model for her family and many others as she never saw herself as a victim during times of struggle, but rather always pulled herself up by her bootstraps and expected nothing less of those around her. She believed in stepping out of your comfort zone and pushing yourself to reach goals.

This memorial scholarship was established by Barbara's daughter, Alexis Ertle in 2016 and aims to assist a local student from an underrepresented class who is majoring in business.