Massman, Barbara Jean (Shimek) 1949 - 2024

MASSMAN, SHIMEK, FUNKE, MULERT, SAHR, LENSING, EINCK, TILLMAN, LOESCH

Posted By: Joy Moore (email)
Date: 6/8/2024 at 09:26:43

Barb departed from life on earth on May 31, 2024, after a courageous battle from a stroke suffered on June 3, 2023. She passed away at home with her Leo and family by her side.

Barbara Jean (Shimek) Massman was born April 13, 1949, to Lucille (Funke) Shimek and Jerome Shimek in Decorah. Barb was the oldest daughter and second oldest child in a family of 12.

She graduated from South Winneshiek High School in 1967. Barb and her future husband, Leo, met at a dance in Spillville at the Inwood Ballroom in 1968. They married on Nov. 15, 1969, at St. Wenceslaus Church in Spillville. They were blessed with 54 years of marriage, six children, 23 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren.

Barb loved her flower gardens, with her favorite flower being lilies. Barb was a talented crafter, from doing ceramics, crocheting, sewing and quilting. She was a dedicated Grandma to all her grandchildren, whom she sewed many blankets for in honor of special occasions. Barb was an amazing cook and baker, from her homemade noodles, broasted chicken, angel food cake, and all the recipes she created from her time working at the Waverly Health Center. Barb enjoyed her years at Waverly Health Center in the nutrition department as a cook and made many friends. She cheered Leo on with his truck pulling hobby and always supported her children and grandchildren in their interests.

Barb is survived by her loving husband, Leo, of Waverly; six children: Vicki (Greg) Mulert of Peosta, Leo Jr. (Traci) Massman of Earlville, Aaron (Kim) Massman of Oelwein, Susan Sahr of Ames, Linus (Trudy) Massman of Buckingham, and Tony Massman of Plainfield; 23 grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; siblings: Ed (Julie) Shimek, Mary Lou (Donnie) Lensing, Judy (CJ) Lensing, Ron (Connie) Shimek, Stanley (Janean) Shimek, Rick Shimek, Mark Shimek, Gary (Chris) Shimek and Ken (Cathy) Shimek; in-laws: Leon Einck, Noi Shimek, Albin Massman, Francis (JoAnn) Massman, Laverne Massman, Cynthia (Bob) Tillman, Sister Marian Massman, Lowell Loesch and Phyllis Massman; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

Barb is preceded in death by her parents, Lucille and Jerome Shimek; mother and father-in-law, Lucy and Frank Massman; grandchildren: Trevor Massman, Bria Sahr and Andrew Sahr; siblings, Nancy Einck and Francis Shimek; and in-laws Don Massman, Helen Loesch, Julia Massman and Verna Massman.

Services will be held at 11 a.m., Saturday, June 15, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Waverly with visitation at the church at 10 a.m. A dinner will follow service in the parish hall.

Source: Decorah Newspapers June 7, 2024