Barb Nemitz

Barbara May Nemitz was born on May 16, 1949, the daughter of Maylen and Eileen (Hauschildt) Strong in Ida Grove, Iowa. Her father passed away when she was an infant. At the age of two, her mother married Wallace “Wally” Auen who raised her as his own. She was baptized into the Lutheran faith in Ida Grove and confirmed at Zion Lutheran Church in Denison. Barb received her education from Kiron Public School and when her family moved to Denison, she attended grade school at Zion Lutheran School and Denison High School. She then attended Stewart Beauty School in Council Bluffs. 

Barb married Steve Gurney at Zion Lutheran Church in 1968 and she was blessed with two children: Chad and Wade. They made their home in California for about four years and then returned to Denison. Barb worked at Jo-Mart Steakhouse and co-owned the Quik Mart in Kiron. She then started out as a real estate appraiser. She enjoyed this industry and it became her career as she opened her own business in Denison, Certified Appraisal Services. 

Barb was full of life and made every moment count.  She enjoyed spending time at her lake homes in Lake View and Big Spirit Lake, sharing her time there with family and friends where they would play cards and games while enjoying the lake life. Barb was an extensive traveler. Her favorite place to visit was Washington DC. During her travels, she loved shopping and finding antique treasures. Barb and her family renovated many houses together throughout the years.  Her hobbies included; crafting, painting and creating treasures for those she loved. She also enjoyed cooking, canning and baking. Later in life, Barb and her wine club friends loved to travel and spend time together. Above all, she cherished her family, friends and helping others. 

Barb passed away at home with family on Thursday, January 25, 2024, at the age of 74 years, eight months and nine days. 

Barb was preceded in death by her parents and brother, Michael Auen. She is survived by her two sons: Chad (Teri) Gurney of West Des Moines and Wade (Andrea) Gurney of Schleswig; three grandsons: Mark Hisel, Brayden Gurney and Quinten Gurney; one great-granddaughter, Maylynn Ferrell; sisters: Connie (Randy) Volkmann of Denison, Patti (Eddie) Frazier of Denison, and Sandy (David) Yarnell of Sergeant Bluff; brother, Jim (Rebekah) Auen of Creston; and many other relatives and friends. 

Barb’s Celebration of Life will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, February 3, 2024, with visitation from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. all at the First United Methodist Church in Denison. Inurnment will follow in the Oakland Cemetery in Denison. Memorials may be directed to the Memorial Fund at the First United Methodist Church.

Her Celebration of Life Service will be live streamed to the Denison First United Methodist Church Facebook page.