Obituary published on Legacy.com by Anderson Funeral Home - Marshalltown Chapel on Aug. 5, 2025.
Barbara Fisher, 89, of
Marshalltown, IA passed away Monday, August 4, 2025, at her residence. Funeral services will be 10:30 a.m., Saturday, August 9, 2025, at Anderson Funeral Homes in Marshalltown. Visitation will begin 10:00 a.m. until the time of service at the funeral home. Interment will follow services at Rose Hill Memorial Gardens in Marshalltown. In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established. Online condolences may be sent to www.andersonfhs.com.
Barbara J. Fisher was born in Wellsburg, IA on August 20, 1935, to Grace (Ross) and Henry Maas. She grew up with her younger brothers, Gary and Harry, on a farm in Wellsburg and graduated from Wellsburg High School in 1953. Barb excelled in academics at an early age. She was a literary editor for the yearbook and the Grundy County spelling bee champion and played the piano and organ. While growing up in Wellsburg, Barb developed a lifelong friendship with her best friend, Ardie (Lindaman) Siefken, both cheerleaders and involved in lots of activities in and out of school. She attended college in Minneapolis and received a degree as a radiologic technologist. Barb married Bill Fisher and spent 67 years together in
Marshalltown, IA. They had four children; Rick, Patty, Jon, and Jason, who at one time or another gave mom many gray hairs growing up! Barb stayed at home with them until they were older, then returned to work. She volunteered at Anson Elementary School and spent time shuttling the children to various activities, but she did still cheer us on. Barb started working at Fisher Controls in the customer service and then technical publishing department for over 30 years. Barb loved all her coworkers and their after-work adventures. After retirement from Fisher, Barb went right to work watching some of her grandchildren full time. When she wasn't entertaining the grandkids, she could be seen sitting on the front porch reading a book, mending something on the sewing machine, or playing the piano. More weekends than you can count, Barb and Bill were spending time with their grandchildren or helping their kids. Barb enjoyed her shopping excursions with her friends from work. She was always there to help family, friends, and coworkers. Barb was always generous with her time and money. Barb enjoyed the gift of giving to others, whether a gift, homemade craft, photos, food, etc., it always put a smile on her face. She asked for nothing in return and was always humbled if someone did something for her. Barb was a strong, independent woman who never hesitated to tell it like it is. We will miss her feisty personality and her strong work ethic. When Barb couldn't do the things that she wanted to anymore, she didn't hesitate to dictate to her husband and kids everything that needed to be done, and she wanted it done right.
She had a very special place in her heart for her autistic grandson, Drake, whom she spent countless hours with over his 28 years. They went to many Wiggles concerts, did a lot of puzzles together, time at parks, and always make his favorite; pancakes and pizza just for him.
Barb and Bill were members of Elim Lutheran Church for over 50 years. In the later years when they couldn't attend in person, they enjoyed visits from Pastor Paul Waterman and Peg Kelly.
Barb took the Times Republican for over 60 years, and it didn't matter that her son, Rick worked there; if the paper wasn't on time or didn't come, she made a phone call to the paper to let them know.
We were able to enjoy 15 extra months with her thanks to the radiologist at McFarland Clinic who caught the liver spots in March of 2024, when Meleah Jensen had asked her to get a routine osteoporosis ultrasound. We want to thank her wonderful staff from McFarland Clinic, Meleah Jensen and Maria Olberding, her oncologists, Dr. Debra Prow, Dr. Sonam Patel and Dr. Nima Goldchin, Mary Greeley Hospital, Harold Hsu, and Mercy.
Barb was proud of her family. We all turned out alright thanks to her continued love, guidance, and lots of luck! Left to cherish her memories are her husband, Bill Fisher of Marshalltown, sons Rick Fisher "FISH" of Marshalltown, John (Heather Simmons) Fisher of Ames, Jason (Tawnya Halter) Fisher of Marshalltown, and daughter Patty (Jim) Bazan of Cedar Rapids.
Grandchildren Grant (Carrie) Fisher of Albion, Mitch (Nancy) Fisher of Elkhart, Megan Fisher of Marshalltown, Karisa (Tom) Mullen of Marion, Mallory (Kevin) Bazan-Williams of Redmond, WA, Katie (Andrew) Jarvey of Renton, WA, Chandler Fisher of Waukee, Cassidy (Hannah) Fisher of Arlington, VA, Drake Fisher of Marshalltown, and five great-grandchildren.
Her best friends that were there during her last days, Paula Purvis, Cheryl Clark, and Mary Hartwig, who she loved dearly and spent so many fun times together, even if it was just sitting and chatting on the porch swing. We are so thankful for Shelly Karr, friend and Iowa River Hospice nurse who was with mom in her last days. All her good friends/coworkers/neighbors that shared many laughs and great times together. Barb still has the backyard porch swing that her good neighbors, Marlene and Carol Bryant, gave her when they moved away!
We love you Barbara J. Fisher – wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, friend, neighbor, and amazing coworker!