- Date Of Birth: March 19, 1961
- Date Of Death: October 5, 2014
- State: Iowa
Barbara Anne (Ackerson) Besch, 53, of Spencer, IA passed away peacefully October 5, 2014 from complications of cancer.
Barb was born March 19, 1961 to Roy and Patricia Ackerson in Fort Dodge, IA. After graduating from St. Edmond High School in 1979, she married the love of her life, Dave Besch, on May 30, 1980 and was blessed with three children. Barb pursued her dream of higher education and earned her B.S. in Education, a Masters Degree in School Media and Library Studies and later another Masters Degree in Educational Administration all from Buena Vista University. Barb shared her passion for education and love of learning over the years by way of being an elementary and middle school teacher then becoming an elementary principal. Barb continually strived for excellence in education and worked as a Reading First Director, Curriculum Coordinator and most recently as a School Improvement Director for the Spencer School District.
Barb was active in her community. Her strong work ethic and zest for service landed her on various boards and committees which allowed her to meet people with similar passions thus, many friendships ensued. She was a living example of one of her favorite quotes, “There are many things in life that catch our eye, but only a few things that catch our heart…pursue those.” And that she did.
Barb was happiest spending time with family, especially her five grandchildren. Her patience and love were always evident through reading to kids or creating an impromptu game for them or sharing a laugh with her warm smile. Always on the go, she enjoyed boating and being near the water, listening to live music, traveling and enjoying family time together.
Barb is survived by her loving husband of 34 years, Dave, her children, Alycia Besch, of Creston, Valarie (Matthew) Wellendorf of Ankeny, and Jason (Rachel) Besch of Whittemore; 5 grandchildren, Ella, Amelia and Eli, Kyler and Riley; four siblings, Rick (Dawn) Ackerson of Indianola, Don (Ann) Ackerson of Houston, TX, Kristin (Scott) Ewen of Dilworth, MN and Becky (David) Stark of Johnston and her parents, Roy and Patricia Ackerson of Twin Lakes, IA. She was adored by many nieces and nephews. Barb was preceded in death by her grandparents, her father-in-law, Kenny Besch and her brother-in-law, Brian Besch.
