Barbara A. Fischer, 94, of Burlington, Iowa, passed away on Saturday, October 17, 2026, at Journey Care Hospice in Barrington, Illinois.
Barbara was born on March 6, 1932, in Burlington, Iowa, to Louis H. and Edith L. Fischer. She graduated from Burlington Catholic High School in 1950 and attended college. She worked at Notre Dame High School as secretary to Father James Minett, which is where she met her lifelong companion, Angela Hotze.
Barbara had a deep love for the outdoors and found great joy in gardening, growing beautiful flowers, an abundance of vegetables, and even an apricot tree. She made a living caring for other people's lawns and took great pride in her work. Mowing was something she genuinely enjoyed, and she was never one to shy away from hard work. Her love of being outdoors continued even through the winter months. Barb could often be found shoveling snow and chipping away at the ice that accumulated on her beloved brick sidewalk. She took pride in keeping things neat and safe, and the changing seasons never kept her from doing what she loved.
Whether it was a warm summer day spent mowing or a cold winter day clearing snow, Barb was happiest when she was outdoors and staying active. She continued doing those things until she was 91 years old. Her strong work ethic and independence were just a couple of the qualities that made her special.
When she wasn't working outdoors, Barb enjoyed playing golf and was an avid fan of both the St. Louis Cardinals and the Iowa Hawkeyes. She loved following her favorite teams and cheering them on. In her younger years, she also enjoyed traveling with her dear companion Angie, having the opportunity to see new places and experience new things. Barb lived life her own way, finding happiness in the simple pleasures of the outdoors, staying busy, following her favorite sports teams, and enjoying the things she loved.
Family was important to Barbara, and she especially enjoyed caring for her nephews and niece as they grew up. She dearly cherished the time she spent with her lifelong friend, Angela Hotze, whose friendship was a treasured part of her life. They loved having friends and family visit them in their home in Burlington.
Those left to cherish her memory include her sisters, Mary Lou Olson and Ann Hatt; her nephews and niece, William Rockwell Jr. (Valerie), Thomas Rockwell, David Rockwell (Elizabeth), Steven Rockwell (Angela), Katherine Robak (Todd), and Michael Hatt II (Jennifer); numerous grandnieces and grandnephews; and her loving caregiver, Lucy Wyatt of Burlington.
Barbara was preceded in death by her beloved lifelong friend, Angela Hotze, and her parents.
Visitation will be from 9:00 to 10:30 a.m., with a 10:30 a.m.Rosary Service on Friday, October 30, 2026, at Divine Mercy Parish-St. Paul's Catholic Church.
The Funeral Mass of the Resurrection for Ms. Fischer will be 11:00 a.m. Friday, October 30, 2026, at St. Paul's Catholic Church with Fr. Jake Greiner as the Celebrant. Burial will be in Sacred Heart Cemetery. A time of food and fellowship will be held in the community room at Prugh Funeral Service, 3940 Division Street, following the burial.
Prugh Funeral Service is in care of the arrangements.