Barb Arnote

Barb (Geerdes) Arnote, age 82, of Westbrook Acres in Gladbrook, Iowa, and formerly of Albion, Iowa, passed away on Tuesday, October 27, 2026, at Westbrook Acres.

Born Barbara Helen Geerdes on July 28, 1944, in Iowa Falls, Iowa, she was the daughter of Arthur and Fern (Roses) Geerdes. Barb grew up in Wellsburg, Iowa, and graduated with the class of 1962. While in high school, Barb excelled in sports, including softball and basketball. She went on to earn her teaching degrees from Buena Vista University and the University of Northern Iowa (UNI).

On November 15, 1969, Barb was united in marriage to the love of her life, Kenneth “Ken” Arnote. They were blessed with nearly 53 years together and two children, Kenneth Jr. and Shawnee.

Barb was a teacher at BCLUW Schools and Marshalltown Public Schools. She was very optimistic and had a crazy, can-do attitude. She always went the extra mile and rooted for the underdog, both in and out of school. Barb touched many lives as an educator, and she cherished those years of her life.

Barb was a member of the Albion Lions Club, where she was one of the first Lionesses; the National Daylily Society; and the Marshall County Master Gardener program. She loved gardening, especially flowers, and was able to share her love of gardening and her skills with some of her grandchildren. Barb adored her grandchildren and loved the time she spent with them. She also loved her many pets, including her favorite Pekingese dogs, Bonetack, Scandal, and Tinkerbell.

Barb enjoyed playing many games with her family and friends. During word games, she gave Webster’s Dictionary a run for its money by inventing new words that should have existed.

She treasured her decades-long friendships with a special group of women known as “The Girls,” who held a special place in her heart. Barb also had a special love for Halloween and delighted in filling trick-or-treaters’ bags with generous handfuls of the best Halloween candy.

Barb was known as a fabulous friend and “Nana B” to many. Her grandchildren gave her this beloved title, and it continued to be used by the Westbrook staff while she was under their care.

Barb’s family is thankful for her Albion neighbors who watched over her while she was still at home. They are also deeply grateful to the entire team at Westbrook Acres for their outstanding care and compassion for Barb in her later years.

In death, Barb is reunited with her parents, Arthur Geerdes and Fern (A.P.) Arney; her husband, Ken Arnote, who passed away in 2022; her brothers, Fritz, Art, Pat, and Terry Geerdes; and her sister, Amber Svela, along with many other family and friends.

Left to cherish her memory are her children, Ken (Brenda) Arnote of Albion and Shawnee Holtkamp of Bondurant; her grandchildren, Ashley (Austin “Tin”) Hillebo, Brayden Arnote, Amber Holtkamp, and Avery Holtkamp; and her great-grandchildren, Koe and Soren Hillebo. She is also survived by her brother, Gale “Hank” (Gail) Geerdes of Florida, and countless extended family members and friends.

All are invited to celebrate Barb’s life on Halloween, Saturday, October 31, 2026, from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. at Mitchell Family Funeral Home. In true Barb fashion, there will be a big bowl of the best Halloween candy to enjoy. A private family burial will take place at Albion Cemetery at a later time.

Mitchell Family Funeral Home has been entrusted to care for Barb and her family. To leave online condolences, please visit www.mitchellfh.com. Ph. 641-844-1234.

This obituary is protected against unauthorized reproduction or redistribution without the family or funeral home’s consent.