Anne Elizabeth Barr

Anne Elizabeth Barr (Santee) of Johnston, Iowa passed away peacefully on February 15, 2022. She was the wife of the late Jack L. Barr with whom she married in Iowa Falls on June 27, 1965 and shared 55 years of marriage. During their marriage, Anne and Jack spent many years in Colorado, Florida and Iowa gaining life-long friends throughout their travels.

Born in Iowa Falls, Iowa on August 21, 1945, Anne was the daughter of Robert and Jean Santee (Good). She graduated from Iowa Falls High School in 1963 and received a Bachelor’s degree in Education from the University of Iowa. She later earned a master’s degree from Colorado State University.

Anne’s legacy as an accomplished and dedicated educator began in Iowa which included time spent teaching in a one-room schoolhouse in a rural Amish community near Iowa City. Later moving to Colorado, Anne continued her career as an elementary teacher and eventually transitioned into elementary administration. She later retired from her role as the Principal of West Woods Elementary School in Jefferson County. Anne is remembered fondly for her attention to detail, nurturing professionalism and enthusiasm for our youth. Her breadth of knowledge and expertise led to quite a bit of “teacher talk” at family gatherings!

Always at home when around or in the water, Anne enjoyed swimming and water sports from an early age. Many fond memories were made competing in the Iowa Falls Ski Shows and as a member of the University of Iowa Synchronized Swim Team. More cherished memories with friends and family were made at Lake Powell, HorseTooth Reservoir, Lake Okoboji and in the Gulf of Mexico. Anne also became the expert family swimming and diving instructor for her nieces and nephew as well as her great nieces and great nephews! She also enjoyed being a fifty-year member of P.E.O. and served in many offices, including President. She was an avid reader as well as an excellent bridge player.

After retiring from teaching in Colorado, Anne and Jack moved to Okoboji, Iowa, where they became quite involved with their local church – The First Lutheran Church in Milford. Anne was very instrumental in growing, developing, and organizing the confirmation program. Anne and Jack loved to travel and entertain. Wherever they lived or travelled, Anne and Jack made sure everyone was welcome. From Colorado, to Florida, to Iowa, life-long friendships were forged that have survived the test of time. In recent years, Anne and Jack gained many great friends at Brio of Johnston.

Anne will always be remembered for her love of family. From countless family gatherings to celebrating niece and nephew “unbirthdays,” her thoughtfulness and generosity will never be forgotten.

Anne is survived by her sisters, Kay Harty of Milford, IA, and Jo Oswald (Mark) of Londonderry, NH; sister-in-law, Joyce Maxwell (Ron) of Iowa City, IA; Swiss family, Regula Thalman and husband Hans of Uster, Switzerland and their children, Claudia, Marc and Stefan; nieces and nephews, Laura Celli (Harty) and husband Charles of West Des Moines, IA, Jeff Harty and wife Cathy of West Des Moines, IA, Anne Dysinger (Oswald) and husband Mark of Killingworth, CT, Elizabeth Pinnell (Oswald) and husband Alex of Hudson NH, Amanda Steere (Oswald) and husband John of Nashua, NH; great-nieces and nephews, Alexandria Smith (Celli) and husband Michael of Spirit Lake, IA, David Harty, Allison Harty, Lucy Dysinger, Olivia Pinnell, Benjamin Pinnell, Hope Pinnell, and Martin Steere.

Celebration of Life to be held at Brio of Johnston (6901 Peckham St, Johnston, IA 50131) at 1:00 PM on Friday, February 25, 2022. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to First Lutheran Church,1525 Three Cross Road, Milford, IA 51351 or WesleyLife Hospice. Online condolences may be expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com

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