Barbara Wollenhaupt

Barbara Ann (Masteller) Wollenhaupt, age 96, of Atlantic, Iowa, passed away Thursday, October 3, 2024, at Methodist Jennie Edmundson Hospital in Council Bluffs, Iowa. 

Barbara was born on November 26, 1927, in Atlantic, to Curtis and Elsie (Campbell) Masteller. She grew up on a farm southeast of Atlantic with her sister, Mary Ellen and brother, Curtis Campbell Masteller. 

Barbara attended Grove Country School #6 and graduated from Atlantic High School in 1945. She enjoyed singing with high school musical groups and was inducted into the National Honor Society. After Barbara graduated from high school, she attended and received a diploma in radio-teletype communications from the Electronic Radio Institute in Omaha, followed by employment with Western Union in Los Angeles, California.

When Barbara returned to Atlantic, she met Gerald Wollenhaupt. They married on February 15,1948 at the First Presbyterian Church in Atlantic. Gerald and Barbara farmed and provided a loving home for their four children near Massena, Iowa. Barbara was an active member of the Massena United Methodist Church. She participated with the United Methodist Women, directed the choir, and assisted with youth activities. Barbara sang at weddings and funerals in the community, was a leader for the Massena Merry Maids 4-H club, and was a member of the Eastern Star organization. Barbara enjoyed planting and caring for roses and a variety of other flowers in addition to tending to a large vegetable garden on the family farm. For recreation, Gerald and Barbara played Pinochle and other card games with several groups of friends in Cass County. Barbara also enjoyed singing, dancing and listening to music. Polka was a favorite genre.

After Barbara’s husband, Gerald, passed away in 1994, she moved back to Atlantic, renewed previous acquaintances, volunteered with numerous organizations, and made many new friends. A favorite job was working at the Atlantic Hy-Vee grocery store, presenting food samples. Barbara continued gardening, tending to her own flowers, and working in many community flower beds while earning her Master Gardener Certificate. She volunteered with the Master Gardeners, the Cass County Health Axillary, the Community College, the Cass County 4-H Extension Service, Produce in the Park, and the Heritage House Guild where she recently resided. 

Barbara loved striking up a friendly conversation and could, at times, be very persuasive. She especially enjoyed interacting with the students in the Community College Nursing Assistance Program, while acting out various patient roles. Her motto was: “Stay busy and have fun in life.”

Barbara was preceded in death by parents, Curtis and Elsie Masteller; husband, Gerald Wollenhaupt; sister and brother-in-law, Mary Ellen (Calvin) Knop; brother and sister-in-law, Curtis (Rosalie) Masteller; son-in-law, Daniel Johnson; and grandson, Michael Kruger.

 She is survived by her four children; son, Nyle (Paulette) Wollenhaupt; daughters, Ann (Eric) Kruger, Carol Johnson, Susan (Alan) Ness; 7 grandsons, Samuel (Mary) Kruger, Jacob (Seth) Kruger, Adam (Megan) Johnson, Evan (Deanna) Johnson, Ryan (Erica) Johnson, Grant (Allison) Wollenhaupt, Jared (Ashley) Ness; 3 granddaughters, Andrea Johnson, Kristen (Ian) Peterson, Sarah Sneen; 17 great grandchildren; and many beloved cousins, nieces, nephews and friends. 

 A staff member at Heritage House posted: “Barbara taught me to live in the moment and always find joy in the little things.” The family wishes to express their appreciation for the care and support provided by Heritage House staff and the friendship of the residents during Barbara’s transition to living in the Heritage House community.

A Celebration of Life memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m., on Saturday, November 2, 2024, at the First United Methodist Church in Atlantic. A luncheon will follow in the fellowship area at the church. Pastor Dan Wiebesiek will be presiding.

The service will be recorded and will be available at www.rolandfuneralservice.com by noon on Monday, November 4, 2024.

Memorials may be directed to the Cass County 4-H Endowment, Atlantic Rock Island Society Enterprise (ARISE), or the Atlantic United Methodist Church.

Condolences may be left at www.rolandfuneralservice.com.