November 25, 1954 – September 27, 2025
Barbara JoAnne Oelberg, 70, of Clear Lake, passed away on Saturday, September 27, 2025, at Mercy Medical Center – North Iowa, Mason City. Barbara’s kindness and love lives on as she chose to give to others with donation through Iowa Donor Network.
A Celebration of Life Visitation will be held from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Saturday, October 11, 2025, at Ward Van Slyke Colonial Chapel, 310 First Ave. North, Clear Lake, Iowa. Memorials may be directed to the family.
Barbara JoAnne Orr was born on November 25, 1954, in Fort Dodge, Iowa, the daughter of Paul M. and Erma L. (Quillen) Orr. She graduated from Ventura High School with the class of 1973.
Following graduation, Barb worked as a Certified Nursing Assistant at Oakwood Care Center. She was blessed with two children, Bridgett and Chad, and raised her family in Clear Lake. Later, Barb worked for several years at the Area Education Agency as a print technician before retiring.
Barb loved the outdoors, especially camping and fishing. She enjoyed hunting for rocks and had a special eye for collecting treasures—whether antiques, Native American items, or anything with wolves and unicorns. A true connoisseur of coffee, she was always ready for a good cup of joe! Above all, Barb’s greatest joy was time spent with her family, especially her beloved grandchildren.
She is survived by her children, Bridgett (Brad) Purscell and Chad Oelberg; grandchildren, Alexis, Danial, Zach, Brian, Brandon, and Cierra; nine great-grandchildren; her sisters, Sally Ellefson and Roberta Prescott; her brother, Paul Orr Jr.; along with many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Paul and Erma Orr; and her sister, Pauline LaVonne.
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