Barbara Shipman

Barbara Ann (Gerdes) Shipman, 80, of Nora Springs, passed away peacefully early Friday January 15, 2016 at the Nora Springs Care Center, Nora Springs, Iowa. Memorial services will be held at 11:00 AM Saturday, January 23, 2016 at the Rudd United Methodist Church with the Rev. Jim Roth officiating. Inurnment will take place at a later time at Memorial Park Cemetery, Mason City. Visitation will be held Friday January 22, 2016 at Major Erickson Funeral Home from 4:00 – 6:00 PM.

Barbara "Barb" was born to Fritz and Elizabeth (Rolhfs) Gerdes on November 6, 1935 at their home in Woden, Iowa. She grew up in Woden where she attended school. Barb was involved in many sports, activities and was Band Festival Queen in 1953. Barb graduated from Woden High School in 1953. She continued her schooling at AIB in Des Moines.

On June 6, 1954 Barb married the love of her life, David "Dave" Shipman at the St. John's Lutheran Church in Woden. To this union two children were born, Pamela and Bruce. Sadly Dave passed away on March 19, 1988.

Barb worked at the Farm Bureau Office in Charles City in her early years. Later, Dave and Barb partially owned the Sunray Fertilizer Plant. In the early years of ownership she did whatever was needed including manual labor. Later though she managed the office. After Dave passed away she worked for Mason City Cold Storage until she retired.

Dave and Barb lived in many different homes over the years, but when they moved to rural Nora Springs in 1965 she knew this was home. Barb took great pride in their home. She loved to garden and work in the yard. Barb loved people! She was a talker and loved to tell stories, laugh and discuss life. Barb lived her life to the fullest, her Grandkids often joked that Grandma had more of a social life than they did. She loved her community and took pride in helping at Rudd United Methodist Church, where she was a member. She was always cooking or baking to take goodies to anyone in need. Barb had a wonderful smile that could light up a room.

Barb adored going to her grandkid's activities no matter where they were. Family and friends were always her top priority. Even in Barb’s later years when she wasn’t able to get around like she liked, she still made sure to call and socialize on the phone and always put others before herself.

Barb is survived by a daughter Pam Trygstad and her special friend Dave Lievouw of Mason City, Iowa; her son Bruce and Chris Shipman of Forest City, Iowa; 9 grandchildren; Jody Trygstad of Brandon, South Dakota, Patrick Trygstad (Laura) of Ashland, Nebraska, Joshua Trygstad (Lacey) of Des Moines, Iowa, Justin Dana of Forest City, Iowa, Jamie Hearn (Dave) of Dumont, Iowa, Ashley Heshley of Manly, Iowa, Brett Funk (Christina) of Mason City, Iowa, Samantha Lievrouw (Ackhasenh Caran) of Mason City, Iowa, David Shipman of Forest City, Iowa, 11 great grandchildren with an additional 2 new ones on the way; 3 sister-in-laws, Leota Gerdes of Garner, Iowa, Betty Shipman of of Corwith, Iowa, Natalie Shipman of Corwith, Iowa; numerous nieces and nephews and a grand dog named Lucy Lou.

She was preceded in death by her husband, David Shipman; her parents Fritz and Elizabeth Gerdes; 5 brothers, John Gerdes, Freddie Gerdes, Hans Gerdes, Henry Gerdes, and Ernest Gerdes; 3 sisters, Mary Bode, Helen McGurk, and Betty May; and a good friend Bill Schorgl.

Barb will be greatly missed by so many people that cherished her as a mother, aunt, cousin, grandmother, great grandmother but most of all friend.