Barbara Bargo

Barbara Eileen Bargo, youngest daughter of Erna Marie (Bonneson) Strandskov and Thorvald Richard Strandskov, was born in Carroll, IA on February 27, 1951. Barbara was confirmed at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Kimballton, IA in 1965. She attended Elk Horn Elementary School and graduated from Elk Horn Community High School with the class of 1969.

On July 9, 1977, Barbara was united in marriage to Elbert Bargo, Jr. in Universal City, TX. Barbara worked as a florist while taking care of her 3 daughters: Lori, Christine, and Brandi. On October 28, 1978, Barbara gave birth to her son, Chad.

Barbara loved making floral arrangements all her life. She did the floral arrangements for her 3 daughters weddings, as well as for personal friends. Barbara owned and maintained Elk Horn Flowers and Gifts in 1985-1987, and opened Bellshire Flowers and Gifts in Nashville, TN in 1994. Barbara had a passion for sewing, cooking, reading, and spending time with her family. She was the go-to person for advice, a smile or just a hug.

Barbara found a new passion in travel as she attended the Travel Institute in Nashville, TN, and graduated in 1995. She opened up her own travel agency, Bar-Son Travel, and began taking several trips to Jamaica, the Caribbean and Europe. She also enjoyed sending many people on their own dream vacations. Nothing made Barbara as happy as making others happy. Her warmth and smile was shared with everyone she met.

Barbara lost her battle with cancer on March 8, 2015, surrounded by her family.

Barbara is survived by her husband, Elbert Bargo, Jr. of Dickinson, TN; her children, Lori (Dana) McConnell of Atlantic, IA, Christine (Billy) Sawyer of Kingston Springs, TN, Brandi Lance, and Chad Bargo of Dickinson, TN; eight grandchildren, Faith, Rachel and Rebecca Dufresne' of Kingston Springs, TN, Zach, Hailey, Nick and Christian Lance of Dickinson, TN, and Garrett McConnell of Atlantic, IA; eight great-grandchildren; sisters, Hertha (John) Hass, Karma Petersen and Irma Pederson all of Harlan, IA; and nieces, nephews, other family members, and many friends.