Barbara Seiler

Surrounded by her loving family, Barbara Seiler, affectionately known as Barb, peacefully passed away Sept. 13, 2024. Her final moments reflected the deep love she gave throughout her life, leaving a lasting mark on all who had the joy of knowing her.

Memorial services will be held Saturday, Oct. 5, at 11 a.m. at United Methodist Church in Storm Lake. Burial will be at a later date in Algona. Visitation will take place Friday, Oct. 4, from 5-7 p.m. at the church. In lieu of flowers, the Seiler family asks that you please donate to the Storm Lake Early Elementary STEM Program, Iowa Donor Network or the Storm Lake Early Elementary and Elementary School Library to ensure her love of reading is passed on for many generations to come. Fratzke & Jensen Funeral Home in Storm Lake is in charge of the arrangements.

Barbara (Bartlett) Seiler was born Sept. 6, 1943, the oldest of three siblings. She grew up in Algona, and graduated from Mankato State University with a degree in elementary education. From an early age, Barb’s kindness and compassion touched everyone around her.

At age 16, Barb met the love of her life, Jerry Seiler. Their love blossomed into a marriage that would span 58 years, beginning June 17, 1966, at the Little Brown Church. After Jerry completed his Army service in Oklahoma, they returned to Storm Lake, where they became beloved members of the community, building a life defined by love, partnership and service.

Barb's love for children extended far beyond her own three children. She considered every student she taught as one of her own. Whether it was clothes, food or a comforting hug, she was always there. She spent most of her teaching career at South Elementary School, where the students, teachers and staff became an extension of the Seiler family. Barb didn’t just teach children — she nurtured and inspired them. For Barb, teaching wasn’t a job; it was a calling that touched the lives of hundreds of students over her decades-long career. When she retired in the spring of 2007, the staff honored her legacy by gifting her a rock engraved with "Seiler," a perfect symbol of the strong and steady presence she was in the lives of so many. The Seiler Rock remains proudly displayed at Seiler’s Hill.

Her favorite subject to teach was reading, and she believed every child should have access to books. Barb’s passion for reading inspired countless children to discover the joy of books. Never did a birthday or holiday pass that Grandma didn’t gift a book. You could always find her on the couch with a book in hand or a stack at the ready for the next great read.

Even after her retirement, Barb's heart remained closely connected to Storm Lake Community Schools. In the fall of 2007, her dedication to education was recognized when she was unexpectedly written in by fellow teachers as a candidate for the Storm Lake Board of Education, ultimately winning the election. Barb brought the same kindness, humility and commitment that defined her teaching career to her new role, continuing her lifelong dedication to the field of education.

At home, Barb was the heart of the Seiler family, carrying the family through many trying times over the years — and always with a smile. She and Jerry were true partners, especially in the garden. Jerry grew the crops, and Barb transformed them into cherry pies, raspberry jam and salsa that all became family favorites. Her kitchen was always filled with the warmth of home-cooked meals and the love of a welcoming spirit. Seiler’s House was a second home to many of her children’s friends, and there was always an extra plate at the table for anyone who needed it.

Family was the cornerstone of Barb’s life. Her favorite titles were “Mom” and “Grandma.” She attended every sporting event, school activity and family gathering she could, always cheering on her loved ones. She was known for driving any distance to see a football game, wrestling meet or her favorite sport — shoe shopping with her favorite daughter.  In her later years, this transitioned to following her grandkids in all their endeavors. No matter the distance, she would be there, and they were always on the lookout for Grandma’s quick smile cheering in the crowd. She was, and always will be, their favorite fan.

Faith was central to Barb's life. A proud member of Storm Lake United Methodist Church, she lived her faith through quiet acts of kindness and an unwavering belief in the goodness of others. Among her stack of books, her well-worn Bible was a constant companion, offering strength and guidance throughout her life.

In September 2017, Barb received the incredible gift of a kidney transplant, granting her seven precious years with her loved ones. She never took a single moment of those years for granted, filling each day with love, laughter and gratitude for the life she had been given.

Barb is survived by her loving family: her husband of 58 years, Jerry; her children: Steve (Beth), Andy and Julie (Josh); her grandchildren: Luke, Ty, Cael, Will, Lydia and Sam. She also leaves behind her brother, Don Bartlett (Deb), and her beloved extended Seiler and Bartlett families.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Mary and Wes Bartlett, and her brother, Dr. William Bartlett.

Barb will be remembered for her boundless kindness, a generosity that knew no limits, and her ever-ready meals that brought comfort to those around her. But most of all, she will be remembered for her ability to see the good in everyone and the ways in which she showed kindness to all. Her legacy of love, strength and compassion will live on in the hearts of all who were fortunate enough to know her.

Barb was loved by all and will forever be missed.