Barb Preul

Barbara Arlene Preul was born on December 29, 1945, the daughter of John H. and Doris (Lochmiller) Hansen in Denison, Iowa. She was baptized and later confirmed her faith at Zion Lutheran Church in Denison. Barb attended Goodrich Country School and graduated from Denison High School before continuing her education at Iowa State University.

On May 2, 1964, Barb was united in marriage to Gary Preul at the Zion Lutheran Chapel in Denison. The couple made their home in Denison and were blessed with three daughters: Rhonda, Vicki, and Julie. Barb worked for Iowa Beef Processors for two years before beginning a long and dedicated career with People’s Natural Gas, where she remained for over 25 years until her well-deserved retirement.

Barb loved to travel, especially to Laughlin, Branson, and Hawaii. She had a creative spirit and enjoyed scrapbooking and a variety of crafts. Family and friends always looked forward to her homemade birthday cards, often filled with cheerful confetti and glitter. She enjoyed golfing with Gary, attending her family’s sporting events, and taking fishing trips to Canada and Minnesota. She also fulfilled her wish of visiting the lighthouses of Washington and Oregon. A true animal lover, Barb, had a special fondness for kittens and cats, especially Willie, who always held a soft spot in her heart. She was a supporter of Happy Cats and loved sharing pictures of kittens with others.

Even though her kids always fixed proper meals for her grandkids, Barb loved spoiling them in her own way by feeding them popcorn instead, often driving their parents crazy. She was an avid sports fan, always cheering for whichever teams her kids supported. She also rooted for the Iowa State Cyclones, Iowa Hawkeyes, and even the Nebraska Huskers the night before she passed.

In her younger years, Barb loved road-tripping with her young family, visiting nearly every state, back in the days before seatbelts. She treasured time spent with her immediate and extended family, especially during their many gatherings. Above all, she cherished creating memories with her loved ones and held her family close to her heart.

Barb passed away on Saturday, October 18, 2025, at the University of Nebraska Medical Center in Omaha, Nebraska, at the age of 79 years, nine months and 19 days. She was preceded in death by her parents and siblings-in-law: Dave Long, Delbert (Lorraine) Preul, Janice (Howard) Christiansen, Rovanis Preul, Larry Preul and Gunner Detlefsen.

Barb is survived by her husband of over 61 years, Gary Preul of Denison; three daughters: Rhonda (Jim) Gray of Dakota Dunes, South Dakota, Vicki (Randy) Schraeder of Denison and Julie (Jim) Thelen of Carroll; eight grandchildren: Amanda (Drew) Mallonee, Zach (Tedi) Gray, Brandyn Schraeder, Cole Schwarte, Jake (Britni) Gray, Heather (Andy) Thompson, Seth (Jenna) Gray and Justin Schraeder; six great-grandchildren: Gordon, Cora, Addie, Gavin, Nora, Grady, Noah and another on the way; sisters: Shirley Long of Ankeny and Lucy Hansen (Javier Jimenez) of Rancho Viejo, Texas; siblings-in-law: Berneil Preul of Denison, Mary Preul of Henderson, Nevada, Darrell (Linda) Preul of Knoxville, Tennessee, Joyce Detlefsen of Schleswig, Dick (Darlene) Rudner of Scottsdale, Arizona and Rick (Deb) Preul of Kiron; and many other family members and friends.

Her Celebration of Life will be held from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on Friday, October 24, 2025, at the Golf Course Country Club in Schleswig. The family will direct memorials.