Barbara Heerts

Barbara J. Heerts, 87, a resident of Karen Acres Specialty Care in Urbandale, IA, passed away on Thursday, September 24th, while under the care of Suncrest Hospice. Visitation for Barbara will be held on Saturday, October 3rd from 1:30 until the time of service at 2:00 at the Engelkes Funeral Chapel in Grundy Center. Interment will follow services at the Rosehill Cemetery in Grundy Center. Memorials may be directed to the family and memories of Barbara or messages of condolence may be left at www.abelsfuneralhomes.com. Please note that masks are required and social distancing is highly encouraged.

Barbara was born on July 23, 1933, to  her parents Charles & Wilma (White) VanFossen in Thornburg, Iowa. Barbara was raised in Thornburg, where she later graduated from high school. She then moved to Grundy Center, where she worked for the local telephone company. Here, she met the love of her life, Dale Heerts, and the two were married on October 8, 1954 at the First Presbyterian Church in Grundy Center. The couple were blessed with two daughters, Glenna and Susan. After Dale's passing in 1979, Barbara relocated to Des Moines, where she worked for  countless years at HyVee's supplemental food program. She then finished her career in food service at Camp Dodge, where she provided meals for those serving in the US military.

She was an avid sports fan, her favorite teams being the Minnesota Vikings, Minnesota Twins and the Iowa Hawkeyes. The sporting events that brought her the most joy, were those of her grandchildren. She was very proud of all of her family's accomplishments not only through sports, but throughout life. Barbara was a wonderful cook, baker, but most importantly a wonderful mom, grandma, great-grandma, a wonderful lady all around. She will be greatly missed by those dearest to her, she leaves behind.

Barbara is survived by her daughters Glenna (Roger) Stevens of Johnston, IA and Susan (Barry) Robertson of Carlisle, IA; grandchildren Corey (Angie) Zook, Spenser (Caroline) Jeshani, Brittney Jeshani and Braxton Jeshani; great-grandchildren Landyn & Myles Zook and Harper Jeshani; brother Glen VanFossen; nieces and nephews Jeff, Pam, Jill & Greg; longtime special friend, Jean Loots. She rejoins in Heaven her parents; husband Dale; Dale's parents, John & Gertie Heerts.