Obituary of Barbara Ann Freyermuth

Barbara Ann Freyermuth, born September 12, 1944, to Oliver and Florence Bentley, officially clocked out of this world on March 30, 2026, and was joyfully welcomed into the arms of Jesus—where we’re quite certain she has already reorganized a few things and checked on everyone’s wellbeing.

Barbara is now reunited with her beloved husband, Charlie Freyermuth, who likely greeted her with, “What took you so long?”—to which she probably replied with a story, a laugh, and a list of things that still needed to be done.

She leaves behind a lively crew who will forever cherish her: her son Tod Owens (Laurie), daughters Monica Temple (Butch), JoAnn Davis (Brent), and Michelle Vossen (Rob); grandchildren Shannon Killion, Meighan Funk (Charlie), Haleigh Frias (Efrain), Abbigail McElroy, Nicholas Temple, Caitlyn Davis, Celeste Hurley (Kyle), Benjamin Temple (Mary), Chase Davis (Allie), Maddison Rodriguez (Tito), Connor Davis (Danielle), Alyssa Vossen, Robert Vossen II, Camryn Davis, and Eli Temple. With a whole army of 20 great-grandchildren who kept her busy, entertained, and occasionally wondering if naps were a myth.

If you ever spotted Barbara on the Marion Avenue Baptist Church bus, you may have witnessed one of her finest balancing acts—serving faithfully while running on what could only be described as “Mercy Hospital nurse-level sleep deprivation.” Somehow, she managed to love people, serve the Lord, and still function on what appeared to be about 3 hours of sleep and pure determination.

Barbara loved the Lord with her whole heart—and she didn’t keep it to herself. She lived her faith out loud, through her kindness, her service, her humor, and her unwavering commitment to others. She didn’t just talk about love—she showed it, every single day.

While we grieve her absence, we also smile knowing heaven just got a little more organized, a lot more joyful, and probably a bit louder.

In true Barbara fashion, we imagine her saying: “Don’t fuss too much—I’m exactly where I’m supposed to be.”…And she is.

Visitation will be held from 4:00 P.M. until 7:00 P.M. on Thursday, April 2, 2026 at Gay and Ciha Funeral and Cremation Service.  Funeral service will be held at 10:30 A.M. on Friday, April 3, 2026 at Marion Ave. Baptist Church in Washington.   Private family burial will take place in the Greenwood Cemetery in Muscatine. To share a thought, memory or condolence please visit Gay & Ciha Funeral and Cremation Service website at www.gayandciha.com.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Marion Ave. Baptist Church Bus Ministry or the Iowa City Nurse Honor Guard.