Barb Sisler

Barb Sisler, 80, of Atlantic, Iowa, and formerly of Anita, died Saturday, November 19, 2022, at the Cass County Memorial Hospital in Atlantic, surrounded by her family.

Barbara Ann was born on November 11, 1942, in Atlantic, Iowa, the middle and one of eight children born to Bernald “Slim” Francis and Mary Elizabeth (Yurich) Richter.  As a child she learned to twirl a baton, which she was very proud of, and also was the mascot for the Wiota basketball team.  She attended Mount Loretto Catholic School and graduated from Wiota High School Class of 1960, that being the last to ever receive a diploma from that school.

Following graduation, she worked at Walnut Grove and also D & R Bar for her brother, Donnie, which she later purchased and operated for a few years under the name, Barbie’s Lounge.  Barbie’s was hard to miss as you headed east out of Wiota and you were bound to stop for a great meal or a cold one.     

On April 15, 1972, she was united in marriage to Dick Lee Sisler at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Wiota, the last wedding held there before the church closed.  The couple enjoyed going to the casino, horse races, and a surprise trip Steve took them on for their anniversary.  The trip included stops in Nashville, at Graceland (Barb loved Elvis), Loretta Lynn’s Ranch and Branson.  Dick was the provider for the family and when he left in the truck, she always made sure he had his cooler stocked with lunch and snacks.  When Dick returned home from being on the road, she made sure there was always a big meal ready for him, anytime of the day or night.   Barb stayed home to raise her children and after they were grown, she kept busy working at Iowa State Liquor, Anita Municipal Utilities, Hy-Vee, and Bonnesen’s 5 &10.  When she retired, she spent some of her days babysitting Vivian and Grant, whom she adored. 

Barb loved spending time and getting together with family and friends; no Richter reunion was complete without her famous deviled eggs and potato salad.  She was very proud of the family Dick and she built together; and they were very instrumental in raising their granddaughter, Preslee Ann.  In January of 2021, Barb moved to Heritage House and was delighted when family came to visit, especially great-granddaughter, Nova Rae.  While there she also looked forward to the many activities that were offered.  Barb was an excellent cook, liked to do puzzles and did we mention she was an Elvis fanatic?

Barb’s loving spirit and contagious beautiful smile will be missed by all who knew her including her son, Steve (Jolene) Sisler of Anita; daughter, Sara Sisler of Anita; granddaughter, Preslee (Nick) Kopp of Adair; great-granddaughter, Nova; a great-grandson to arrive in May; brothers, Bill Richter of Boone and Junior (Ruth) Richter of Atlantic; sisters-in-law, Mardell Richter of Atlantic, Ellen Richter of Aurora, CO and Roxanne Richter of Beatrice, NE; and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Bernald “Slim” and Mary Richter; husband, Dick in 2009; son, Scott E. Sisler in 1993; brothers, Larry, Tom, Ronnie and Donnie (Ruth) Richter; sister, Dorothy (Roger) Power; brother-in-law, Bob Sisler; and sisters-in-law, Ellen Richter, Beth (Marion) Egger, Maxine (Harold) Greenwalt and Norma (John) Holter.

The family will host a Celebration of Life Visitation from 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m., Saturday, November 26, 2022, at the Atlantic Golf & Country Club. 

Also, on Saturday those wishing to view Barb and see the floral gifts will be able to do so from 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. at Roland Funeral Home. 

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 a.m., Monday, November 28, 2022, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Anita.  Burial will be in the Evergreen Cemetery. 

Roland Funeral Service is caring for Barb’s family and her arrangements.  Condolences may be left at www.rolandfuneralservice.com.