Barbara Disterhoft

Barbara Disterhoft passed away peacefully in her sleep on August 6, 2025 after a recent cancer diagnosis. Born on February 13, 1944, Barbara lived a full and vibrant life, touching the hearts of many through her warmth, generosity, and unwavering spirit.

Barbara was baptized and confirmed at Trinity Lutheran Church in Conroy, Iowa, where her lifelong faith was first nurtured. She attended Trinity Lutheran School, then Conroy High School for two years before graduating from Williamsburg High School in 1962. She went on to earn a degree from the American Institute of Business in Des Moines in 1963.

Over the course of her life, Barbara held numerous administrative positions that showcased her strong work ethic and dedication. She worked for the Atomic Energy Commission in Ames, Mutual Benefit Life Insurance in Cedar Rapids, Pierce Junior College in Philadelphia, the Lutheran Inter-parish School in Williamsburg, and IDS/American Express Financial Services. Later, she enjoyed a second career as a sales associate in several retail stores at the Tanger Outlet Mall until her retirement in 2004.

Barbara’s life was marked by enduring love and partnership. She married Robert Bauer in 1965 and had two children, Angela and Curtis. After their divorce in 1974, she found lasting companionship with Richard Bean, whom she married in 1977. Together, they farmed near Parnell and later in Conroy, where they shared their life until Richard’s passing in 1995. In 1999, she married Keith Disterhoft, who survives her.

A devoted and engaged member of her community, Barbara gave generously of her time and talents. She was an active volunteer in numerous civic and church organizations, including the Williamsburg Gardening Club, Visioning Committee, Planning Committee for the Marengo Arboretum, Iowa County Cowbelles and Porkettes, and the ROTE Scholarship Committee. She also served as a 4-H leader in both Parnell and Conroy and held various roles within her church.

Barbara loved to travel, often exploring the country and Europe with her husband, friends, and family. In her later years, she found joy in gardening, decorating, painting, reading, attending flea markets, camping, and—most of all—spending cherished time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Her laughter, conversation, and zest for life will be deeply missed.

Barbara is survived by her loving husband, Keith; her children Angela Plagmann (Harlan) and Curtis Bauer (Idoia Elola); and her stepchildren Curt Bean (Amy), Lori Kelchen, Craig Bean (Alicia), Cheryl Carney (Jim), and Jeffrey Disterhoft (Missy). She was a devoted grandmother to Kaila Aylor (Kyle), Cetera Plagmann, Sydney and Harper Bean, Zachary and Cody Kelchen, Colin Sandberg, Luke Carney, Rachel Carney, Ally Disterhoft, and Nate Disterhoft. She also leaves behind great-grandsons Henry and Luca Aylor, and Reece Carney. She was preceded in death by her parents, William and Erva Schwarting, and her siblings, Kenneth and Gloria Schwarting, and her husband Richard Bean.

A funeral service to honor and celebrate Barbara’s life will be held on September 4, 2025, at 10:30 a.m. at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Williamsburg. Following the service, family will greet friends in the fellowship hall. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Paul Lutheran Church or Lutheran Interparish School. Powell Funeral Home in Williamsburg is caring for arrangements. Messages and tributes may be directed to www.powellfuneralhomes.com.