Barbara VanDyke

Barbara Lorene VanDyke, 90, of West Bend, formerly of Jefferson, passed away Jan. 14 at Crestview Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in West Branch.

Barbara Lorene Van Dyke was born on March 25, 1923, at Des Moines, to Fred W. Hood and Anna Geraldine Ames. She graduated from North High School in Des Moines in 1940 and attended business school from 1941 to 1942.  For most of her life she worked in secretarial positions, including Douglas Aircraft in California during WWII. Upon returning to Iowa, Barb was married to Roy Wesley VanDyke on December 2, 1944 at Dexter. The couple lived in Illinois, Tucson, AZ and Des Moines for a while before moving to Jefferson in 1953. Barb was a devoted wife and mother of two girls Susan and Marcia. She worked as a legal secretary for Attorney Charles Hurd for many years and then as secretary for the Greene County Attorney, Nick Martino, where she enjoyed visiting daily with area peace officers. Barb retired in 2001 and moved to West Branch. She enjoyed sewing, knitting, crocheting, bingo and all types of craft activities and she was active as a 4-H leader in Greene County for many years. Barb was a member of the First United Methodist Church and U.M.W. in Jefferson and of the Jefferson Does Lodge. She was very active in the Highland Park American Legion Auxiliary in Des Moines and the Greene County Historical & Genealogical Society.  

Barb is survived by her daughter and son-in-law Susan and Steve Jackson of West Branch; step-grandchildren Lisa and Jeremy; other relatives and friends.

Barb was preceded in death by her parents; her loving husband Roy in 1988; daughter Marcia in 1996; a brother John and nephew Jeff.

A funeral service was held at 2 p.m. Jan. 20 at Hastings Funeral Home in Jefferson. Visitation was two hours prior to the service. Pastor Charles Thompson of the Greenbrier Methodist Church of Greene County provided words of comfort. Casketbearers were Nick Martino, Doug Hawn, Dan Taylor, Les Fister, Russ Hoffman and Tom Heater. The pianist was Danille Curtis and soloist Gary Haupert. Hymns were In the Garden and The Old Rugged Cross. Interment was at the Junction Township Cemetery in Grand Junction.

Hastings Funeral Home of Jefferson was in charge of arrangements, 515-386-8181, www.hastings.funeralplan2.com

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