Childhood Friends Become Partners and Philanthropists

Jeanine and Steve Barndt used two special occasions—moving into Wesley Community Foundation Bradley Park in 2020 and Jeanine’s birthday—to support Wesley.

While living in Poulsbo, Jeanine became aware of a boy on the neighboring farm. She was 11 and he was 14. Later, when she was at North Kitsap High School and Steve was attending Washington State College, their friendship evolved into love. After her graduation, they married and began their everlasting life side by side.

They lived in Pullman where Steve continued his studies. Upon graduation, they transitioned to Iowa State University, where he studied for a master’s degree in agricultural economics. Then the Air Force called him to active duty.

Following training, with their 11-day-old daughter, they traveled to their first duty station in Vermont. During the next 20 years they experienced several reassignments, including Washington (while he served in Vietnam) and finally, Ohio.

Jeanine gave birth to their son while stationed in Sioux Lookout, Ontario. Later, Steve earned his MBA and Ph.D. from Ohio State University. Jeanine completed her freshman year at the University of Washington and graduated from Wright State University in Ohio.

Upon his military retirement, Steve served as a professor at Pacific Lutheran University’s School of Business. Jeanine took a position in the college library where she become head of a department. She also served a genealogy library as head librarian.

They moved to Wesley Community Foundation Bradley Park and, in 2020, made a tax-wise gift of appreciated stock. Their generosity will be recognized with the naming of the Barndt Family Rehabilitation & Care Center (part of phase II construction).

The couple also celebrated Jeanine’s birthday with a charitable gift annuity that will pay her an income for life. “This is a win-win for both the Foundation and for Jeanine,” said Steve. Who better than a business school professor to understand creative ways to make an impact today and a difference tomorrow for Bradley Park residents?