Barbara Thomas

Barbara Thomas

Iowa City

Barbara Thomas, June 15, 1930 – Aug. 12, 2023, 93, of Iowa City, formerly of Marion, Cedar Rapids and Melbourne, Fla., passed away at Oaknoll Retirement Residence, where she lived independently.

Barbara was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 56 years, Don; daughter, Leigh; and brothers, Lou and Tom Shalk.

Barbara is survived by daughters, Diane, Kathy;

sons, Jim, Brian and Larry; as well as many grandchildren.

Born in Coggin, Iowa, Barbara attended Iowa State University where she met her husband Don. They started a family in Marion and later moved to Cedar Rapids. With boundless energy, they both worked multiple careers, never missing a sporting event, summer travel and put all six children through college. A lover of travel, Barbara enjoyed many extended family camping trips to the Canadian Rockies, Yellowstone, Oregon and many other beautiful places. She also had a lifelong fondness for German Shepherds, had a generous spirit and a witty sense humor.

A Fullbright scholar with a summer residence in Norway, Barbara published scores of scholarly articles and research. She retired Professor Emeritus from the University of Iowa. She and Don then enjoyed a more relaxed life-style for many years in Melbourne, Florida where family would often visit. At Oaknoll she enjoyed taking the occasional cruise with family members, playing bridge with her friends, mentoring single mothers, and her wide-ranging movie collection.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Barbara’s name to animal rescue organizations.