Barbara Lee White, 78, of Postville, Iowa passed away peacefully on Friday, September 18, 2026, surrounded by her daughters at the family farm, where she grew up.
Barbara was born in Postville on September 16, 1948, to Donald “Barney” and Mary (Pearson) White. She graduated from Postville High School in 1966 and attended the American Institute of Business (AIB) in Des Moines, Iowa. Her first professional employment was as a stenographer at Collins Radio followed by a variety of employments, including copy writing for radio and television, administrative work, newspaper sales & advertising, and owning & operating two restaurants.
After living in Austin, Minnesota; Madison, Wisconsin; and Eagan, Minnesota, Barbara returned to Iowa, and in 1987 purchased the White homestead where she grew up. She was happy to raise her daughters in a rural setting close to family. She devoted her life to being a mother, and once they left for college, Barbara embraced the quiet serenity of country living. She spent many peaceful hours on the screened-in porch, enjoying a Pepsi and the calm of her surroundings.
Barbie enjoyed dancing, a good slice of pizza, The Wall gameshow, a Prime Rib sandwich from The Black Angus (but of course dessert first) and time on the riding lawnmower, at her happy place, the farm. Wherever she was, her smile would light up the room.
Her greatest joy was her family, and she especially cherished phone and video calls that kept her connected with her children and grandchildren. She loved following her grandchildren’s sporting events and taking care of the pets she had throughout the years, most recently her Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier, Rufus.
Surviving Barbara are her four daughters: Brandy (Chris) Duncan of Baton Rouge, LA, Mimi (Steve) Stone of Cresco, IA, Hollie (Josh) Kuepers of Dickeyville, WI, and Jessica (Travis) Cummings of Cresco, IA; eleven grandchildren: Dash (Sophia) Duncan, Cannon Jack Duncan, Gunnar Duncan, Marcus White, Macie Rouse, Madison Goltz, Meg Kuepers, Kashton Kuepers, Blaire Cummings, Tate Cummings, and Jaclyn Cummings; her siblings: Cindy Einck (Phil Burkholder) of Harmony, MN, Brad (Peggy) White of Webster City, IA, Kim White of Albert Lea, MN, and Lori (Jimmy) Wyatt of Richfield, MN; her beloved fur baby, Rufus; and her nieces, nephews, cousins and friends all whom she fiercely loved.
Barbara was preceded in death by her parents Donald “Barney” & Mary (Pearson) White, maternal grandparents Chet & Eula (Jones) Pearson, paternal grandparents Walter & Amy (Moser) White, and her brother-in-law Mel Einck.
A visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Wednesday, September 23, 2026, at the Schutte-Grau Funeral Home in Postville, Iowa. The Funeral will take place at the Postville Community Presbyterian Church at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, September 24, 2026, with a one-hour visitation beforehand and Pastor Gary Catterson officiating. A private inurnment will be held, at a later date.
Schutte-Grau Funeral Home and Cremation Service of Postville, Iowa is assisting the family with services.