Barbara 'Barb' Mordhorst

BARBARA ‘BARB’ J. MORDHORST

Soldier

Barbara J. Mordhorst, 68, of Soldier, Iowa, passed away Friday, July 16, 2021, at her residence in Soldier, Iowa. A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, July 23, at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Ute, Iowa. The Rev. Nathan Pietsch will officiate. Private family committal services will be held at a later date in St. Clair Township Cemetery, Ute. A visitation will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday, July 22, at the church. A Facebook Live of the service will be available on the St. Paul Lutheran Church Facebook page as well as the Armstrong-Van Houten Funeral Home Page on Friday July 23, at 11 a.m. Armstrong-Van Houten Funeral Home in Ute is in charge of the funeral arrangements. Condolences may be sent online www.armstrongfuneral.com.

Barbara Jean Mordhorst, the daughter of Robert and Ruth (Koch) Patten, was born June 6, 1953, at John McDonald's Hospital in Monticello, Iowa. Barb was baptized June 28, 1953, and later confirmed in her faith on April 16, 1967, at St. John's Lutheran Church in Monticello.

Raised in Monticello, Barb graduated with the Class of 1971 from Monticello High School. After high school, Barb went onto further her education attending Iowa State University, the University of Iowa, and later graduating from Buena Vista University with a degree in business. While attending college at ISU, Barb met the love of her life, Dennis "Denny" Mordhorst, on a blind date. The couple were united in marriage on May 25, 1974, at St. John's Lutheran Church in Monticello. They settled down on the family farm northwest of Soldier, Iowa, where they farmed while raising their three daughters: Debra, Jenny and Robin.

Barb lived her life to the fullest, traveling the world with Denny. She also enjoyed wintering in Arizona, tear drop camping at vintage trailer rallies, country dancing and, in later years, quilting. Her true treasure in life was her family, especially her grandchildren. She enjoyed following all the extracurricular activities of both her children and grandchildren.

Barb was a faithful member of St. Paul Lutheran Church in Ute. She was active in her church teaching Sunday school, Bible school, leading LYF and holding various positions within the church. She also volunteered her time as a 4-H leader for the Ute Eager Beavers.

In 2013, Barb was diagnosed with breast cancer which she courageously fought and won in 2014. After her battle with breast cancer, Barb's mottoes in life were "Postpone Nothing," "Live Life," and "If You Think It, Do It."

On July 9, 2021, Barb was officially diagnosed with aggressive stage four pancreatic cancer. She was welcomed into the loving arms of her Lord and Savior after her brave fight on July 16, 2021, surrounded by her loving family. Barb was thankful to her family and friends for all their love and care given to her during her brief illness.

Left to cherish her memory are her husband of 47 years, Denny Mordhorst of Soldier, Iowa; daughters, Debra (Aaron) Gress of Charter Oak, Iowa, Jenny (Jason) Neddermeyer of Marcus, Iowa, and Robin Mordhorst of Charter Oak; grandchildren, Dawson, Hannah, Kaden, Peyton and Teagen; sister, Linda Patten of Marion, Iowa; brother-in-law, Donald (Teresa) Mordhorst of Soldier; sister-in-law, Pat (George) Wallis of San Antonio, Texas; and niece, nephews, extended family and friends.

Barb was preceded in death by her parents, Robert and Ruth Patten; brother, Steven Patten; mother-in-law and father-in-law, Elmer and Luetta Mordhorst; brother-in-law, Russell Mordhorst; and her maternal and paternal grandparents.

Donations in memory of Barb can be directed to St. Croix Hospice of Denison, Iowa, or the St. Paul Lutheran Church in Ute, Iowa.