Barbara L. Nieland

Barbara L. Nieland, age 58, of Carroll, Iowa and formerly of Newell, Iowa died October 20, 2020 in Des Moines, Iowa after complications due to COVID-19. Memorial services will take place Monday, October 26, 2020 at 1:30 p.m. at St. Peter Lutheran Church in Newell. To watch the recording of the service, go to Barbara's tribute wall. Burial will be in the Newell Cemetery. Visitation will take place Sunday, October 25, 2020 from 3-5:00 p.m. at the Fratzke & Jensen Funeral Home in STORM LAKE. The family requests that masks be worn at the visitation and funeral. In lieu of flowers, memorials made be directed in Barb's name to: New Hope Village Foundation, PO Box 887 Carroll, Iowa 51401. The Fratzke & Jensen Funeral Home in Storm Lake is in charge of the arrangements. Barbara Lynn Ripke was born September 8, 1962 in Storm Lake, Iowa the daughter of Willis and Darnell (Pedersen) Ripke. As an infant, she was baptized at St. Peter Lutheran Church in Newell where she was later confirmed in 1977. Growing up, Barbara attended school in Newell where she graduated from Newell Providence in 1981. While in high school, Barbara played basketball, softball and was a cheerleader all four years. Barbara was united in marriage and blessed with two children: Benjamin and Belinda. At 25 years old, Barbara was a passenger on a motorcycle when it was struck from behind by a car. She suffered a severe brain injury that put her into a coma. The pressure in her brain during that time was so tremendous, that doctors had little hope she would live. After 23 months, a miraculous day came when Barb woke up and spoke. Her family refused to give up hope and prayed daily for a miracle, which they received. After the accident, Barb worked hard to gain back her independence and lived in Cedar Falls until moving closer to family. In her spare time, Barb enjoyed dancing and playing cards. She enjoyed visits from family and friends. Barb was often calling friends and family to check in and say hi. Family was especially important to Barb. She was an amazing grandma and arranged visits with her grandchildren as often as possible. She will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her. Those left to cherish her memory include her children: Benjamin (Rachel) Nieland of Fonda, Iowa; Belinda Smith of Laurens, Iowa; grandchildren: Ethan, Emmi and Brookelyn Johnson of Laurens, Iowa; Benson, Vivian and Willis Nieland of Fonda, Iowa; parents: Willis and Darnell Ripke of Storm Lake, Iowa; brothers: Bradley (Beth Johnson) Ripke of Newell, Iowa; David Ripke of Kenosha, Wisconsin; Curtis (Sandy) Ripke of Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin; sister, Karla (Jack) Vanderhoff of Newell, Iowa; nephews; nieces; cousins; extended family and many friends. Barbara was preceded in death by her paternal grandparents, Walter and Marie Ripke; maternal grandparents, Herluf and Vivian Pedersen; and uncle, Art McWilliams.

Barbara L. Nieland

September 8, 1962 - October 20, 2020