Barbara Joan Brundige, 87

Barbara Joan Brundige, age 87, of Irwin, IA passed away peacefully on October 2, 2022. She was born December 16, 1934 to Thomas and Florence (Dahlmeier) Knowlton. Private family services are being planned.
Barb is preceded in death by her parents; husband Donald “Sprout” Brundige; and Kaoly Brundige (daughter-in-law). She is survived by sister Beverly Sterling and brother Dennis Knowlton; daughters Taren Petersen (Lonny) and Tami Huff (Carroll); son Brian Brundige (Kaoly); grandchildren Erin Haley; Lisa Steinmeyer; Sienna and Sterling Brundige; great grandchildren Coy (Petersen); Jayden, Wyatt, Amya, Sawyer & Ryker (Haley); Lydia and Gunner (Steinmeyer); niece Michelle (Jack) and great niece Zoe; stepchildren Greg Huff (Mitzi) and Becky Martin (Patrick); step grandchildren Isaac and Everly (Huff); and Finn and Bridget (Martin).
Born in Pipestone, MN, Barb later lived with her family in Minnesota and South Dakota before finally settling in Underwood, IA in 1946.
Barb graduated from Underwood High School in 1952. She received her teaching degree from Dana College and preceded to teach in Canton, SD for one year before accepting a position in Irwin where she met and married Donald. After raising her family and teaching for many years, Barbara earned her Master’s Degree from Drake University. She was one of a handful to be recognized as a Master Teacher in Iowa. By the time she retired in 1995 she’d left an indelible mark on hundreds of third graders.
Barb enjoyed the countless relationships she built while teaching. She participated in several clubs through the years. She enjoyed traveling – one highlight was when she received the Pope’s blessing in the Vatican. She also counted among her favorites the opportunity to have seen the newly crowned Queen Elizabeth. Barb volunteered many places including the Vince Shute Wildlife Sanctuary in Orr, MN and Custer State Park in South Dakota. She was active in Saint Paul’s Lutheran Church, various clubs and volunteered at the Lied Irwin Public Library
for many years. The family is asking for memorials to be sent to: Brundige Memorial, 1809 Capitol Avenue, Omaha, NE 68102.