Barbara Dennler

Barbara J. Dennler, 82, of Elgin, Iowa died Friday, August 14, 2015 at the Good Samaritan Society in West Union, Iowa.

Barbara Jane, the daughter of William and Bertha (Hofer) Rainey, was born June 23, 1933 on her grandparent’s farm in Clayton County, Iowa. 

Barb graduated from Elgin High School in 1951.  She worked her way through high school at the Coffee Cup Café, which was operated by Cliff and Arlie Christ. She then worked at the Empress Café in West Union. 

Barb was united in marriage with her childhood sweetheart, William Paul Dennler, on December 27, 1952 at the Methodist parsonage in Elgin.  To this union, five children were born. 

Bill and Barb farmed the former Myron Chapman farm southeast of Elgin for many years.  After Bill’s death on November 26, 1982, Barb continued to live on the farm for sixteen years working as a CNA at the Elkader Care Center. 

Barb lived in Elgin with her companion and friend, Robert Hanson, until he passed away.  Barb then moved to Clermont.

Barb was a longtime member of the Illyria Community Church. She was active in the Illyria Ladies Aid and taught Sunday School.

She was involved in the Good Neighbor Club and a member of the American Legion Auxiliary. 

Barb was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. Barb could cook a fantastic meal and would feed all that gathered. 

She enjoyed reading, playing cards, crosswords, feeding the birds, and spending time with her family.

Barb is survived by her children, David (Nancy) Dennler of Elkader, Iowa; Lou Anne (special friend, Virginia) Dennler of Elgin, Iowa; Billie Jane (Jeff) Cowell of Claremont, Minnesota; Daniel (special friend, Patty) Dennler of Dewar, Iowa; and Darren (Karen) Dennler of Crawfordsville, Iowa; four grandchildren, Amy (Mike), Beth (Cory), Katie (Matt), and Zoey; two great-grandchildren, Lily Jane and Oliver William; one brother, Kenneth; and two sisters, Ruth and Nora.

Barb was preceded in death by her husband, William; her parents, and her sister, Shirley. 

Visitation was held Monday, August 17, 2015 from 4 to 7 pm at Leonard-Grau Funeral Home and Cremation Service, Elgin, Iowa and one hour before services at the church on Tuesday.

Funeral Services were held at 11:00 am on Tuesday, August 18, 2015 at the Illyria Community Church, Elgin, Iowa with Pastor Pam Reinig as the Officiant.

Interment was at the Illyria Cemetery, Elgin, Iowa.

Leonard-Grau Funeral Home and Cremation Service, Elgin, Iowa helped the family with the arrangements.      33u33