Colleen Joyce Barwick, 96, of Akron, Iowa, passed away Monday, June 10, 2024, at the Akron Care Center in Akron, Iowa.

A Celebration of Life will take place at a later date. Arrangements are with the Rexwinkel Funeral Home in Akron. Expressions of sympathy can be extended to the family through www.rexwinkelfh.com.

Colleen, the daughter of Henry and Evalena (Scherner) Herbold, was born on February 23, 1928, on the family farm near Pierson, Iowa. She attended country school and graduated from Pierson High School. After high school, Colleen worked as a teller at a local bank in Kingsley, Iowa.

She was united in marriage to Verle E. Barwick on July 19, 1947, in Le Mars, Iowa. They farmed near Pierson with Verle's brother and father for a few years before going into the farm implement and car dealership business with Myron Karsten in Pierson. In 1957, they purchased the Moir John Deere Implement business in Akron. They owned and operated Barwick Implement Company for many years spanning five decades. Colleen was the first bookkeeper for the family business before focusing her attention on raising four sons, who were very grateful to their mother for being such a "fabulous cook." The family continues to enjoy her recipes. Verle passed away on April 12, 2004. Colleen continued to live in the home they built together in Akron. In August of 2017, she became a resident of the Akron Care Center. Being an avid sports fan, watching sports on her room television was her favorite pastime.

Colleen was a member of Wesley United Methodist Church and active in the Hoschler American Legion Post 186 Auxiliary for many years. She and Verle enjoyed bowling and golfing in their younger years and were members of the Akron Golf Course for many years since its inception. Son Gene proudly found his mother's old bowling shirt among her belongings. They also were members of the Akron Dinner Club. She was den leader for her sons while they were in Cub Scouts. She enjoyed leather work, ceramics, oil painting and playing cards with her bridge club. She was active in the Friendship and Service Club of Akron starting in the late 1950's.

Survivors include her 4 sons: Eugene Barwick of Lac du Flambeau, Wisconsin, James (Brenda) Barwick of Edmond, Oklahoma, Jerry (Karen) Barwick of Akron, and Gary (Cindy) Barwick of Sheldon; 9 grandchildren; 7 great grandchildren; her sister, Donna Anstine of Yankton, South Dakota; and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Verle; her sister, Jerra Hons; and brothers in law, Charles Anstine and Jack Hons.