Serving O'Brien & Clay Counties
Serving O'Brien & Clay Counties
A funeral service for Barbara J. Nonneman was held Tuesday, Oct. 19, 2021, at the American Lutheran Church in Melvin. Pastor Judy Johnson officiated.
Pallbearers were Jerry Helmers, Terry Langenfeld, Paul Heitritter, Gary Benz, Bruce Juber and Brad Knock. Interment was in Baker Township Cemetery near Melvin. Sanborn Funeral Home assisted with the arrangements.
Barbara Jean “Barb” Nonneman, one of five children born to Russell Otis and Marilla Maurine (Mathews) Pyle, entered the world on March 11, 1934 in a farmhouse north of Melvin. She grew up in the Melvin area and received her education there. Memorable events in high school include being part of the basketball team earning a trip to Des Moines for the Iowa girls’ state basketball tournament in 1950. Years later, Barb would number among those listed in the Melvin High School Hall of Fame for having been a member of this talented team. She was also named valedictorian of her graduating class of 1952.
On June 18, 1953, Barb became the bride of Robert J. “Bobby” Nonneman at the American Lutheran Church in Melvin. Three children made their family complete: Cindi, Doug and Alisa. Their entire married life was spent in Melvin where Bobby was engaged in farming and Barb served as city clerk for 33-1/2 years. She had also been employed at the Melvin Savings Bank, worked as bookkeeper for Bracker Lumber and CD Farm Service, both in Melvin, and acted as manager of the town’s low-rent housing project.
As a lifelong member of the American Lutheran Church, Barb participated in the ALCW Circle as well as other church-related programs. While her days were certainly kept full, Barb always found time to attend her children’s school activities and be involved in their day-to-day lives, volunteering her services when needed. Over the years, both she and Bobby had been devoted fans of the Melvin Comets athletic programs.
When time would allow, Barb loved to get lost in a good book. She was also a great cook, and thoroughly enjoyed decorating her home for the holidays (all of them)! Yet nothing gave her more pleasure than to just spend time with her children and grandchildren who she dearly loved.
On Friday, Oct. 15, 2021, Barb passed from this life at the age of 87 years. She now joins loved ones who have gone before: her parents, Russell and Marilla Pyle; brothers: Harold and Howard Pyle; and sisters: Maurine Babcock and Iona Heitritter.
Keeping Barb’s memory close at heart are her husband of 68 years, Bob Nonneman, of Sibley; children: Cindi (Doug) Seibold, of Spencer; Doug Nonneman, of Sheldon; and Alisa (Rick) Heller, of Olathe, Kan.; three grandchildren: Brittney Seibold, Ashley (Jared) Cartee and Lindsey Heller; one great-grandchild, Kobe Gunderson; other relatives and dear friends.
