Barbara J. Theilen, 83, of Clear Lake

Barbara J. Theilen, 83, of Clear Lake passed away peacefully Saturday, December 28, 2024 at the Nora Springs Care Center.

Services will be held 11 am Saturday, January 4, 2024 at Ward-Van Slyke Colonial Chapel, 310 1st Ave N, Clear Lake, IA. She will be laid to rest at Riverside Cemetery in Rockford, IA.

Visitation will be held one hour prior to the services at the funeral home.

Barbara Jean was born December 30, 1940 in Dows, IA the daughter of Clyde and Helen (Rahfeldt) Miller. She attended and later graduated from Dows High School. On January 11, 1959, she married Clarence H. “Rex” Theilen at Morgan Methodist Church, rural Dows, Iowa. The couple was blessed with two daughters, Dawn and Debbie. Over the years, Barbara worked various jobs, including Lifetime Motorhomes as an electrician and later at the Fort Museum in Fort Dodge. The family made their home in Mason City, Clear Lake, Fort Dodge and later Rockford in their retirement. For the last six months she enjoyed rooming with her sister, Betty at the Nora Springs Care Center.

Barbara was a woman of strong will and quiet determination, qualities that carried her through life’s joys and challenges. A member of the Clear Lake Methodist Church, she sang proudly in the choir and also found camaraderie with the VFW Auxiliary. Barbara cherished simple pleasures, from competitive card games and BINGO nights to the art of crocheting, which she often gifted to loved ones. Her greatest pride, however, was her family. She treasured the moments spent with her daughters, Dawn and Debbie, and adored her grandchildren, welcoming the title of great-grandmother with elation. Barbara’s steadfast demeanor and unwavering love made her a cornerstone of her family, leaving behind a legacy of resilience and warmth.

She is survived by her daughters, Dawn (Keith) Humburg, of Humboldt, and Debbie (James) Dow, of Marble Rock; grandchildren, Dustin Humburg, Keslie (Mike) Redel, Dylan (Jamie) Humburg, Marcus (Tori) Dow and Sabrina Dow; great-grandchildren, Grace and Lauren Dow and Emma, Sophie and Ellie Humburg; siblings, Jim (Judy) Miller, Paula Demro, and Clyde (Teresa) Miller Jr.; sisters-in-law, Marty Miller, Janie Miller and Ruby (Marlin) Hammje; as well as extended family members and cherished friends.

Preceding her in death are her parents; husband; and siblings, Bob Miller, Betty (Dean) Theilen, and Gerald Miller.