Barbara Massman

Barbara Massman

Waverly

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, Iowa. Barb was the oldest daughter and second oldest child in a family of 12.

Barb 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.

Barb and Leo married on November 15, 1969 at St. Wenceslaus Church in Spillville, Iowa. 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. Barb is survived by 23 grandchildren and 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, in-laws Don Massman, Helen Loesch, Julia Massman and Verna Massman.

Services will be held Saturday, June 15, 2024 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Waverly at 11:00 am with visitation at the church at 10:00 am. A dinner will follow service in the parish hall.

Leo and family would like to thank Kelsey, RN and Amy, CNA as well as other staff of Cedar Valley Hospice – Waverly for all the care and compassion shown to Barb and the family.