Page created by: Kayt Gabrielson

Barbara Jo (Gowen) Anderson was born November 8, 1949 in Richfield, Minnesota. She passed on Monday, September 28, 2020 in Des Moines, Iowa.

Barb was a fantastic wife, remarkable mother, gracious grandmother, terrific sister & truest of friend to so many. She blessed so many lives with her kindness and vigor for life. A tremendous void has been left in the hearts of so many.

Barb grew up in Minnesota and was a true Minnesotan her whole life, even after moving to West Des Moines, Iowa in 2007 at the announcement that her Grandson, Ayden was to be born. A die hard MN Vikings fan, there were many Sundays watching the games where her team must have heard her cheering them on from her living room.

In 1991, Barb went back to school to become a nurse and was great at it, even graduating on the President's list. Helping others was a passion of hers and it showed.

She loved cooking, a great book, and going to the North Shore in Minnesota. She absolutely loved being a mom, but even more so being a Grandma.
She was found on the sidelines and never seemed to miss a soccer, football or baseball game.

Barb is survived by her loving husband of 47 years, Frank Anderson; her daughter Kayt Gabrielson and her sons Ayden & Eli; her (step) son Bob Anderson and his family Gretchen, Kent, Sarah, Molly & Jack. She is also survived by her brothers, sister and numerous nieces and nephews.
Barb is preceded in death by her parents Richard & Jean Gowen and brother Jim.

Barb was diagnosed with early onset Parkinson’s Disease in 2009. Though it may have slowed her down, it never took away her positive attitude, her kindness to others and her genuine smile. She will be truly missed by all.