Barbara Jean Wittern

Barbara Wittern, age 75, formerly of Rock Rapids, IA, passed away on Wednesday, February 18, 2026, at Community Memorial Health Center in Hartley, IA.

A Memorial Service will be held at 1:30 p.m. Saturday, February 21, 2026, at the First Presbyterian Church in Little Rock, with Pastor Steve Anderson officiating.

Burial will follow at the Pleasant View Cemetery in Little Rock, IA.

Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the church.

Arrangements are in the care of the Jurrens Funeral Home of Rock Rapids, IA.

Barbara Jean Wittern was born on April 2, 1950, in Sibley, Iowa, the daughter of Russell and Joyce (Houghton) Wittern. Barb grew up in Little Rock, Iowa, and later graduated from Little Rock High School. After graduating, she attended nursing school at Iowa Lakes Community College in Estherville, Iowa. After nursing school, Barb worked several places throughout her life, most notably Merrill Pioneer Hospital and Lyon Manor Nursing Home in Rock Rapids.

On August 20, 1972, she was united in marriage to Fred Huisman at the First Presbyterian Church in Little Rock, Iowa. To this union, two sons were born, Wade and Brock.

Barb enjoyed going on walks with her dog “Buckey”, traveling and living in a variety of places, taking pictures, playing piano, and spending time with her grandchildren.

Barb is survived by her two sons, Wade (Amber) Huisman of Rock Rapids, IA, and Brock (Amanda) Huisman of Rock Rapids, IA; eight grandchildren, Kyler (Lindsay) Huisman and their daughter, Mary Jo; Tyra Van Wyhe (special friend, Nate Shelburg), and her daughter, Violet; Kiarra Van Wyhe (fiancé, Kyler McVey); Rylie Huisman; Trista Van Wyhe (fiancé, Marshall DeHaven); Maddie Huisman; Braden Huisman; and Frederick Huisman; brother, Bruce (Sue) Wittern of Clear Lake, IA; brother-in-law, Greg Grave of Little Rock, IA; nieces, nephews and other extended family.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Russell and Joyce Wittern; and her sister, Faye Grave.