Barbara Kauzlarich's Obituary
Barbara Ellen Kauzlarich, 85, of Des Moines, formerly of Mystic, passed away peacefully at her home 3 weeks after receiving a diagnosis of cancer, on December 13, 2016 surrounded by family. Barbara was born February 15, 1931 in Mystic, Iowa. She was the daughter of John and Jennie (Metcalfe) Ducey. Barbara graduated from Mystic High School in 1948. She worked for a short time in the Quad Cities. Barbara married Leon Kauzlarich on September 1, 1951 and for the next 63 years lived in rural Mystic on the family farm then moved to her daughter's home in Des Moines to receive care for dementia. Barbara and Leon raised three children, David, Mollee and Lori. Barbara was an active lifelong democrat. She served for 40 years as caucus chairman. Barbara was also a part of the United Auto Workers (UAW). She served for a short time as Appanoose County Auditor. Barbara was proud of her Irish heritage and loved to celebrate it. Barbara is survived by her children; David Kauzlarich of Mystic, Mollee Kauzlarich of Moline, IL, and Lori Kauzlarich of Des Moines, IA, three brothers; James (Beverley) Ducey, Patrick (Diane) Ducey and Michael (Debbie) Ducey all of the Quad Cities, two sisters; Pamela Gruber of Appleton, WI and Kathryn (Jim) Whetsel of Kankakee, IL, first-cousin, Donelda Olsasky of West Des Moines, IA and Los Gatos, CA with whom she shared a lifetime of adventures; especially in the last 25 years, as well as many nieces, nephews and cousins. She was preceded in death by her parents and husband. A funeral service for Barbara will be held on Monday, December 19, 2016 at 10:00 AM at Thomas Funeral Home. Visitation will be held on Sunday, December 18, 2016 from 4:00-6:00 PM at Thomas Funeral Home. Interment will be at Highland Cemetery in Mystic. Memorials may be given to Highland Cemetery Association. Condolences may be shared at www.thomasfh.com. To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Barbara Kauzlarich please visit our Sympathy Store. Cemetery Details Highland Cemetery Green St.
Mystic, IA 52574 Visitation DEC 18. 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM (CST) Thomas Funeral Home-Centerville 501 North 18th StreetCenterville, IA 52544[emailprotected]http://www.thomasfh.com Funeral Service DEC 19. 10:00 AM (CST) Thomas Funeral Home - Centerville 501 North 18th StreetCenterville, IA 52544[emailprotected]
What’s your fondest memory of Barbara?
What’s a lesson you learned from Barbara?
Share a story where Barbara's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Barbara you’ll never forget.
How did Barbara make you smile?

