Plainfield, IL - Barbara Jane Nielsen 97, of Plainfield, IL, formerly of Luton, IA and Le Mars, IA, died Monday, Jan. 9, 2023, at Hillside Rehab and Care Center in Yorkville, Ill. Graveside services will take place at noon on Saturday, June 29, 2024, at West Fork Cemetery in Climbing Hill, IA. She will be buried alongside her husband Orval. Her daughter, Devin Nielsen, will be buried at the same time.

Barbara was born July 22, 1925, in Luton, IA, the daughter of Walton and Hallie (Montange) Sargisson. She was raised on a farm and graduated from Luton High School where she excelled – both academically and in girls' basketball. She continued her education at Morningside College in Sioux City.

Upon acquiring her teaching credentials in 1945, she took a position teaching second grade in Manilla, Iowa. She then moved to Harlan to teach, where she met fellow teacher, Orval Nielsen.

On July 3, 1948, Barbara and Orval were united in marriage at Grace Methodist Church in Sioux City. The couple moved to Osage in 1948 where they started their family. In 1952, the family relocated to Le Mars, Iowa, where Barbara lovingly raised her three children.

In 1965, Barbara took a part-time position at Hotopp Jewelry in Le Mars. She was an avid bridge player and taught bridge classes at Le Mars night school. She also worked at Krigsten's Gift and Furniture in Sioux City, where she consulted in interior design. She was a member of St. John's Lutheran Church in Le Mars and led the Altar Guild and taught Sunday School and catechism.

Barbara became a grandmother in 1981; the time spent with her grandchildren was full of adventure and beauty.

For those who knew her, Barbara was almost larger-than-life. She insisted she live in a purple house with purple walls and purple floors. To say she was a collector of fine treasures is an understatement: her domestic surroundings were exquisite. In retirement, Barbara found great joy designing for private clients and could be found sewing drapes or preparing holiday décor into the wee hours of the morning. She required little sleep, always juggling creative projects, reading novels, or playing cards.

Barbara is survived by two sons, Steven Sarg (Phyllis) of Ripon, Wis., and Terry George of Hinckley, Ill.; daughter, Devin Ann of Earlville, Ill.; grandchildren, Kelly Ann (Eli), Robert Stephen (Amy), Jessica Jane (Remy), Breezy Marie (Julie), Theodore Orval, and Daniel Thomas (Theresa); sister, Julianne Jorstad of Ames, Iowa; brother, Payne Sargisson (Rita) of Salix, Iowa; several nieces and nephews; and great-grandchildren, Madison, Daniel Jr., Christopher, Dominic, Landon, Emily, Ashlyn, Kayla, Caiden, Isabella, Cassidy, Bodie, and Jack.

She was preceded in death by her parents; parents-in-law; husband, Orval; brothers-in-law, Paul Nielsen and Roger Jorstad; and sister-in-law, Heleen Nielsen.

The family would like to thank the caring staff at HarborChase of Plainfield for the exceptional care they provided Barbara over the past two years.