Barbara Jane "Barb" Munsell

Barbara "Barb" Jane Munsell, age 93, of Des Moines, IA, went to be with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on Sunday, January 5, 2025, at Karen Acres Health Care Center in Urbandale. She was surrounded by her loving family and pets.
Barb was born on November 13, 1931, the daughter of Ethel and Eugene Stegman of Des Moines, IA. She attended St. Joseph Academy in Des Moines. On August 18, 1950, she was united in marriage to Arthur Munsell at St. John's Lutheran Church in Des Moines, IA. Two years later, Art joined the US Army and served in Alaska during the Korean War. When he returned, the couple made their home in Des Moines, where they welcomed their three sons, Mike, Dave, and Steve. Barb began her career at Allied Insurance where she worked for 20 years. Upon retirement, Barb dedicated her time to her beloved family.
In her younger years, Barb enjoyed volunteering at local hospitals and schools, gardening, caring for her children, and taking family vacations, especially to Colorado. In her later years, Barb enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren, Saturday morning breakfasts with friends and family, watching the wildlife, eating chocolate, and cooking delicious homemade meals and goodies.
Art and Barb celebrated 72 years of marriage in 2022. Barb was a loving and caring mother and grandmother throughout her life. Those who knew Barb knew that she would help anyone and everyone in need.
Those left to cherish her memories are her sons, Mike (Tracey) Munsell of Grand Junction, Colorado, Steven (Donna) Munsell of Des Moines, IA, and four grandchildren, David (Samantha Zepeda) Munsell of Van Meter, IA, Allyson Scott of Des Moines, IA, Sam (Alexis) Munsell of West Des Moines, IA, and Abby Munsell (Clayton Davis) of Clive, IA. We want to express our heartfelt appreciation to the entire staff at Karen Acres. Your genuine love and compassion for your residents is greatly appreciated by all!
She was preceded in death by her husband; her parents; her son, Dave Munsell; her brothers, Tom Stegman and Wilbur Stegman; and her sister-in-law, Florence (Robert) Abild.
A Celebration of Life will be held for Barb on January 18 from 11-1 at Wakonda Christian Church, 3938 Fleur Drive in Des Moines. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made in Barb's honor to the University of Iowa Health Care Stead Family Children's Hospital.