Barbara Schlitzer, 93 of Dubuque, passed away peacefully on May 27, 2025.  In keeping with her wishes, a private family service was held on June 2, 2025 at Hope Church, with Pastor Mark Smith officiating.  Egelhof, Siegert & Casper Funeral Home and Crematory was entrusted with arrangements.  Interment took place at Linwood Cemetery.

Barb was born September 27, 1931 in Red Wing, Minnesota to Henry Jagusch and Eva VanDeusen Jagush.  She had fond memories growing up with her older eight brothers and sisters on their small farm. She graduated from Red Wing High School in 1949, then moved to Dubuque in 1951 where she met her husband Marvin Schlitzer.  They were married June 12, 1954. Marvin was drafted into the U.S. Army that fall.  Barb joined him in Germany in 1955, shortly after their first child was born. They returned to Dubuque after Marvin was honorably discharged in 1956, and built a successful life as Holstein dairy farmers.

Over the years, Barb was active in many organizations, including 4H, the Dubuque County Extension Board, Dubuque County and Iowa Farm Bureau Boards, the Dubuque County Dairy Promotion, the Dubuque County Farm Homemakers Administration Committee and numerous church groups. Barb hosted hundreds of local school children for farm tours. She enjoyed giving students the opportunity to learn all about a dairy farm, and even let them feed the young calves. She kept every one of the special thank you letters she received in return.  In 1973, Marvin, Barb and family received the first Outstanding Dubuque County Farm Family Award.  In 1983, Wallaces Farmer Magazine presented Barb the Iowa Master Farm Homemakers Award, an honor given to select, elite farm women.

Most of all, Barb loved her grandchildren, all living close by growing up, and available to play games, read books, celebrate birthdays and holidays, and help with chores at her house.  They were often invited to tag along in the car or truck when it left the farm.  She loved watching her grandchildren start families of their own. She touched the lives of many people, faithfully sending cards and letters for birthdays, anniversaries, or just to say hello. Barb was a kind and generous wife, mother, grandmother, aunt and friend, and well loved by all.

Barbara is survived by her three children Mark (Twila) Schlitzer of Dubuque, Susan Plum of Pueblo, Colorado, and Laurie (Gordy) Bieri of Davenport, Iowa; her grandchildren Beth (Tyler) Coon of Polk City, Iowa, Luke (Jackie) Schlitzer of Alleman, Iowa, Cole (Hannah) Schlitzer of Dubuque, and Jenna (Michael) DePerro of Iowa City, Iowa; and her eight great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband, parents, and eight siblings.

Memorials in Barb’s name may be made to Hope Church, 11833 JFK Road, Dubuque, Iowa 52001.