Barbara Storjohann

Barbara Ann Storjohann, 75, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, December 16, 2020 at Oakview Nursing Home, in Conrad, Iowa where she had been a resident for the past five years. Barbara (known as "Barbie" or "Barb") was a friend to all staff at Oakview and will be dearly missed by all who knew her. Her loving smiles, laughter and back scratches are among the 'many' mischievous, playful ways about her that will be missed the most by all staff, friends and family. Barb loved hanging out with the staff at Oakview, movies, TV shows, music (especially her children's music and singing) and country dancing her entire life. She was full of life and will be forever loved and missed by those closest to her.  A celebration of life for Barbara will take place on Tuesday, December 22 at 5:00-7:00 P.M. at Mitchell Family Funeral Home in Marshalltown. Attendees are required to wear masks and practice social distancing. Memorials may be directed to the family for later designation. For additional questions or condolences, please visit www.mitchellfh.com or call 641-844-1234.  Barb was born June 5, 1945 as Barbara Ann Frericks in Marshalltown Iowa, to Merle Irene (Niedermann) and Henry Frericks of Gladbrook, Iowa. As young girl she was active in Girl Scouts and she attended school in Gladbrook, later graduating with the Class of 1962. Barb ranked fifth in her high school graduating class of 30 students and was a Future Homemaker member. One year during high school, Barb made such an impression, that the Gladbrook Future Farmers of America selected Barb as their chapter "Sweetheart"! After graduation, she was hired as Secretary to the Principal at the Gladbrook School, and in 1963, Barb was crowned as Tama County Dairy Princess.   Barb then went on and took a three year correspondence art course and 'graduated' from charcoal sketching to water colors, and then to oils. She loved art and continued to work pieces throughout her life, designing her very own 'signature Rose'. Barb's love of art continued and was shown in her younger years working at Apgar Studios in Marshalltown, Iowa, painting portraits for them. Her love of art and talent continued her entire life painting, drawing and sketching portraits for friends, family and special portraits for her children.   In May of 1969, Barb was married (to Steven R. Storjohann, Marshalltown, Iowa) for a number of years, and although they parted ways, during those years she had two children, Joel Steven and StaceyAnne. Barb loved her children more than anything and lived each day of her life for them, all the way up through her passing.   Over the years, Barb worked odd jobs supporting her two children. She had a love for all animals, especially kitty cats and had many throughout her life. She also loved the color blue, blue butterflies and flowers, mainly roses and bluebells. She worked temporarily for Gibson Girls designing and painting ceramics, mainly kitty cats. It was in her ceramic work where she designed her 'signature Rose.'  In 1987, Barb then took a job at the Iowa Veteran's Home working in the Canteen for seventeen years up until her retirement in 2004. During her time in the Canteen as a manager, she worked hard to be self-supporting when many areas were contracted out, and she received a Certificate of Recognition for her hard work and determination to keep the Canteen up and running, from then Governor Tom Vilsack.   Barb enjoyed her retirement and remained independent for many years. Enjoying her time with her family, especially her grandchildren. Over the past few years as her health declined, she became a resident of Oakview Nursing Home in Conrad, of whom all staff became her second family. Barb loved them all dearly.  Barb is survived by her children Joel (Amber) of Conrad and StaceyAnne (Brian) Williamson of San Diego, California; brother Loran (Jane) Frericks of Gladbrook and sister Shirley (Steve) Thomas of Marshalltown; one Uncle Stan Niedermann of Garwin; numerous cousins; numerous nieces/nephews; numerous great-nieces/great-nephews; seven grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren (with one on the way).  Barb is preceded in death by her parents, grandparents, great-grandparents, aunts, uncles and one great-grandson.  Barb will be greatly missed by all who loved her. She will continue to soar and will always want those who loved her to think of her when blue butterflies and roses are near. Lovingly written by Barb's family