Barbara Jean Van Ersvelde

Barbara Jean Van Ersvelde, age 79 of rural Brooklyn, Iowa died Sunday, March 22, 2020 at her home. Private graveside services will be held at Calvary Cemetery, Brooklyn with Fr. Corey Close officiating. There will be a Memorial Mass open to the public at a later date. Memorials and cards may be directed to Tom Van Ersvelde 4544 V18 Rd., Montezuma, Iowa 50171. Kloster Funeral Home, Brooklyn is assisting the family with arrangements.

Barbara is survived by her husband Tom; her children, David (Heidi) Van Ersvelde of Grinnell, Paul Van Ersvelde (Laurie Hall) of Brooklyn, Janet (Jeff) Rhinehart of Brooklyn, Susan (Kerry) Kriegel of Brooklyn, Richard Van Ersvelde of Williamsburg and Sherry Grier (Tim Huedepohl) of Williamsburg; ten grandchildren, Stephanie McCloud, Vanessa (Matthew) Peake, Sarina Rhinehart, Keaton Rhinehart, Tyler (Willow) Kriegel, Tara Kriegel, Zachary Van Ersvelde, Nathan Grier, Kyle (Emily) Grier and Lilly Fairchild; and 6 great grandchildren, Kane, Keely, Lasyre, Olivia, Cora and Elise. Also surviving are a brother Lawrence (Judy) DeVilder of Davenport and sister Betty Osland of Iowa City. Barbara was preceded in death by her parents, an infant daughter Joan, a sister Edna Frye, a brother Lyle DeVilder, and a brother-in-law, Norman Osland.

Barbara Jean DeVilder was born January 29, 1941 in Grinnell, Iowa, to Frank and Margaret Landuyt DeVilder. She graduated from Hartwick High School in 1959 and was united in marriage to Thomas Van Ersvelde on October 8, 1960 at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Brooklyn. Besides being a loving wife and mother, Barbara worked alongside her husband on the farm, and held various administrative positions over the years. She was a member of St. Patrick’s Church, and the Altar and Rosary Society. Barbara served as a 4-H leader in the county. She enjoyed sewing, cooking, baking, and gardening. She also found time and energy to support her “Hawkeyes” and” BGM Bears”. She cherished the time she spent with her family and looked forward to attending all the events of her grandchildren .

Barbara’s family will surely miss the “fried chicken every Sunday”, “pink” jello, homemade bread, rice pudding and apple pie. We love you, Mom!