ATKINS:  Barbara Joann Gerhold. age 85, died at home surrounded by her loving family on Sunday, March 14, 2021, at home with her family by her side.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 AM, Saturday, March 20, 2021 at St. Stephen's Lutheran Church in Atkins with Rev. Douglas Woltemath officiating.  Interment will be held at St. Stephen's Cemetery.  Visitation will be held from 4:00 until 7:00 PM Friday at the church in Atkins.  Masks should be worn at the visitation and the service.

Barbara was born on March 3, 1936 in Cedar Rapids, the daughter of Edward and Phyllis (Hoehn) Sandler.  She attended Johnson Elementary and graduated from Franklin High School in Cedar Rapids in 1953.  Barbara worked at Iowa Manufacturing and Sanford, and later as a dental assistant for Dr. Clyde Dunn and Dr. Cejka.  The job she loved most was raising her children and spending time with all of her grand kids.

In July of 1960, she met the man of her dreams Arlen Gerhold. Arlen and Barbara were united in marriage on February 11, 1961 at Trinity Lutheran Church in Cedar Rapids.  She confirmed her faith on January 29, 1961.

For years Barb and Arlen enjoyed playing cards with their card clubs and taking family vacations to Lake of the Ozarks and Branson.  She was a wonderful cook and loved to bake.  She loved to host all the holiday meals and her traditions will be passed down for many generations.  She was happiest when she was surrounded by her family.  She dedicated her life to serving her family and will be missed by all who knew and loved her.  The family would like to extend a special thank you to the staff at Prairie Hills Assisted Living, Hospice of Unity Point and Dr. Beer's office

Survivors include her loving husband Arlen; her children, son Curt (Lori) Gerhold of Atkins; daughters, Kathy (the late James Maddox) of Cedar Rapids, Sue (Chris) Dolan of Fairfax, Sally (Matt) Polansky of Atkins, Dianna (Brad) Svoboda of Cedar Rapids; 13 grandchildren; and 2 great-grandsons.

She was preceded in death by her parents; brothers, Ed Sandler Jr., and Ron Sandler; sister Judy Thenhaus; and son-in-law James "Chicken" Maddox.