Barbara Jean Hinrichs, 75, of Lawton, Iowa, beheld the beautiful face of Jesus on July 29th, 2024, surrounded by her husband and family. A private burial will be held on August 3, 2024. A celebration of Barbara’s life will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, August 17, 2024, at Bethel Lutheran Church, Lawton, Iowa, followed by a time of fellowship and a meal. Arrangements are being handled by Waterbury Funeral Service of Sioux City.

Barb was born on June 13, 1949, to Bob and Ruth (Greek) Jensen. She grew up in Bronson, Iowa, with her brother and sisters, and graduated from Lawton-Bronson High School in 1967.

Barb met Larry Hinrichs at Whaley’s Resort in Ponsford, Minnesota, in the summer of 1966. After Larry was drafted to Vietnam, Barb and Larry wrote letters back and forth while she studied that year at Northwestern College. Upon Larry’s return from service, the couple dated and was united in marriage on August 31, 1968. Barb and Larry would have celebrated their 56th wedding anniversary this year. The couple had 5 children: Kara, Lara, Mara, Shara, and Darin. The family vacationed yearly at Whaley’s Resort, and the tradition still continues today.

Barb’s love of Jesus was evident to all who knew her. She showed many children the love of Jesus by teaching Sunday School for many years at Bethel Lutheran Church in Lawton, Iowa. She later served as the Sunday School Superintendent. Barb wrote the children’s Christmas program each year, organized Vacation Bible School, and served on the Funeral Committee at Bethel during her time there.

Barbara created, owned, and operated Barbara’s Florals and Gifts in Sioux City, Iowa, for 25 years. She was an avid gardener, and she loved to spend time in her flower garden during her retirement.

Barb’s pride and joy were her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She loved to spoil them, and her love for them was unending.

Barb was preceded in death by her daughter, Lara; her parents; and Larry’s parents.

Barb is survived by her husband, Larry; her children: Kara  (Dan) Thompson, Mara (Rick) Scott, Shara (Kurt) Graalfs, Darin (Cora) Hinrichs; her grandchildren: Jordan (Jacob) Oeland, Jacy (Levi) Wanner, Jade Thompson, Tyler (Micaela) Scott, Parker (Miranda) Hinrichs, Leighton and Paisley Graalfs, Ruby, Zara, and Bennett Hinrichs; great-grandchildren: Libby, Avalee, McKenzie, Riggin, and Ryder; and many other cherished family members and friends.

Matthew 19:14

Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.”