Barbara Jean Anderson Audlehelm (1928 - 2011)

ANDERSON, AUDLEHELM, DAVIS, SMITH, MUSSON, DUNBAR

Posted By: Karen Brewer (email)
Date: 1/24/2022 at 17:54:03

Kale Funeral Home
Osceola, Iowa

Barbara Jean Anderson Audlehelm daughter of Oscar and Lina Davis Anderson was born October 29, 1928 in Clarke County, Iowa. Barb died on December 15, 2011 at Iowa Lutheran Hospital in Des Moines, Iowa.

Barb graduated from LeRoy High School in 1946. She married Bill Audlehelm on July 6, 1946 in Osceola, Iowa. Bill (and) Barb farmed in Clarke County and were life time members of the Weldon community. They raised five children, Gary, Rick, Connie, Dan, and Jeanie.

Barb worked at Jimmy Dean for five years but spent most of her life riding herd on her family (farm) and frying whatever the boys brought to her kitchen, including bullheads for breakfast. Barb loved music especially the hymns. If she heard it, she could play it. Many enjoyed listening as Barb added her special touch to any song. She was leader in the pew and on the piano bench as a life long member of the Smyrna Friends Church. Barb played for the gospel group, The Messengers, for over 10 years and is featured on their CD. She also enjoyed playing with Nell Wright's dance band in Woodburn. When asked what she was most proud of Barb quickly replied: "that I am still on the family farm, where the grandsons stop in while hunting, where we have family workdays, and the best water fights…but most of all I am proud that my kids are friends and that they work together…they are the best thing I ever did. "

Barb was preceded in death by her parents, granddaughter, Melinda Audlehelm in 1977, brother, Ardeth in 1987, and husband Bill in 1996; sisters and brothers in law, Barb Anderson; Cameron Smith; Margaret and Bill Musson and Edna and Kenny Dunbar.