Barbara Louise Allsteadt, 86

Barbara Louise Allsteadt slipped away on May 9, 2026 after leaving a legacy of kindness, compassion, and strength to her family and friends. Barbara was born on March 13, 1940 and grew up in Des Moines, Iowa. She graduated from East High School in 1958 and then graduated from the Mercy Hospital School of Nursing in 1961. Barbara married her high-school sweetheart, Wayne Allsteadt, on June 9, 1962. She started her career as a surgical RN at Mercy Hospital in Des Moines. Barbara worked in various hospitals and clinics in Boston, St. Louis, and Chicago, but she eventually took time off to raise her four boys. When her boys got older, she went back to nursing at an immunology clinic.

Barbara enjoyed spending time with her family and friends, travelling, and hosting family events, which brought unforgettable joy. Barbara was known for being a deeply caring and understanding person. She was extremely generous. Some even called her Santa Barbara for giving so many gifts at Christmas. Barbara was angelic and beautiful, and yet she was smart and funny. Just truly a lovely person.

After living for 86 years, Barbara died after sustaining a massive stroke on May 5, 2026. She is survived by her sons, John, Mark, Gregory, and David Allsteadt; Mark’s wife, Beth Phillips Allsteadt; David’s wife, May Ann Guardamano Allsteadt; five grandchildren, Connor, Cameron, and Carson Allsteadt, Brianne Coe and Nicholas Allsteadt; her sister and her husband, Nancy and Michael Sloan; her nephew, Henry Sloan; and her niece, Kelly Sloan. She was preceded in death by her husband, Wayne Allsteadt.

Private Memorial Service.