ESTHERVILLE – Barry R. Huntsinger, a lifelong Estherville resident whose career reached from local newsrooms and radio stations to financial planning and community service, passed away May 5, 2026, at Avera Holy Family Hospital. He was 83.
Huntsinger was born January 22, 1943, in Estherville, the son of Kenneth J. and Mable L. Moore Huntsinger. He graduated from Estherville High School in 1961, earned an associate degree from Estherville Junior College in 1963, and received a bachelor’s degree from Mankato State College in 1966.
On March 26, 1966, he married Marcia Eileen Stow of Dolliver. The couple shared 60 years of marriage and built a life centered on family, community and service.
Huntsinger’s professional life began early in local media. As a high school student, he worked as a weekend announcer at Estherville’s first radio station, KLIL-AM. He later worked as a reporter and photographer for the Estherville Daily News before continuing his journalism work while attending college in Mankato.
After college, Huntsinger became the original manager of KILR AM-FM in Estherville. He oversaw the station’s construction, staffing and operations and served in that role for 15 years. He also guided the station through a major rebuild after a 1975 fire caused heavy damage to the facility.
Huntsinger later worked for Harris Corporation’s Broadcast Products Division, selling transmitters, towers and studio equipment to radio stations across five states. He then moved into financial planning, working with Workman Securities Corporation in Minneapolis before establishing Lakeland Financial Services. He retired after selling the practice in 2019.
Beyond his professional work, Huntsinger was active in civic and community life. Over the years, he served with organizations and boards connected to broadcasting, business development, local government, banking, public safety and community improvement in Estherville and the surrounding area.
He was also a lifetime member of the United Methodist Church of Estherville.
Huntsinger had many interests, including photography, genealogy and politics. His love of genealogy led him to track more than 15,000 family and extended family members. His interest in politics began in college, where he helped form the first Young Republicans chapter at Estherville Junior College, and continued through later campaign work.
He also enjoyed recalling his earlier public safety work as a part-time police officer for Estherville and Okoboji, along with service as a special deputy sheriff in Dickinson and Emmet counties.
Huntsinger and his wife enjoyed traveling, including trips to Mexico, Jamaica, the Bahamas, Vermont, California and Colorado. Some of their most meaningful travels were visits to family in Arkansas and Hawaii.
Family remained one of the great joys of his life. Huntsinger was proud of his daughters, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and he enjoyed following their lives, accomplishments and growth.
He is survived by his wife, Marcia; three daughters, Carmen K. Davis of Fayetteville, Arkansas, Heidi M. Goebel and husband Rob of Estherville, and Brenda R. Huntsinger of Kailua, Hawaii; grandchildren Rhett Goebel, Alicia Scott and husband Brandon, Elizabeth Davis, Hannah Dunn and husband Eston, and Aaron Davis; and great-grandchildren Harrison, Hadley and Harper Scott.
He is also survived by a nephew, James Huntsinger and wife Karen; numerous cousins; and Marcia’s siblings and their families.
Huntsinger was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, James K. Huntsinger, Sr.
A visitation is scheduled for 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Saturday, June 13, 2026, at United Methodist Church in Estherville. A memorial service will follow at 10:30 a.m. at the church.
Memorials may be directed to Estherville United Methodist Church, 102 S. 8th Street, Estherville, Iowa 51334.
Henry-Olson Funeral Home and Crematory is handling arrangements. To read more and see the full obituary, please click here.
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