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Barbara Ellen Filer

Updated: Aug 26, 2024

Barbara Ellen Filer passed away on August 21st, 2024, at the age of 73 at Grand Living, Monarch Lane Memory Care from early onset FTD. Barbara was born as a Becklund to Jack and Grace Becklund in Sioux City, IA on September 6th, 1950.


She was a cheerleader at Central High School class of 1968 and was a graduate of UNI with a degree in social work.


Barbara married and had two sons, Cody Fox and Michael Fox II. Barbara was remarried to Thomas Filer and together they had one daughter Emily (Filer) Van Zante.

Her vitae were vast. Founding the QCCVB, restoring the Redstone Inn in Dubuque, managing Homecoming ‘86 and serving as development director for several service agencies.


Above all was her role as the Administrator of Terrace Hill for all but one term of Governor Branstad’s administration.


When not working Barb loved travel and concerts, spending time with Thomas, and her children and grandchildren. She visited Paris, New York, Caribbean, Mexico, and Napa Valley. Of all the concerts Cream at Madison Square Garden was the highlight.


A special thank you to all the staff from Grand Living at Tower Place, especially all the caregiving staff. Thank you also to Suncrest Hospice for caring for Barbara in her final days. Lastly, a special thank you to our family friend, Catherine Olesen.


Left to cherish her memory is her loving and most caring husband, Thomas Filer.

Son, Michael Fox II and Nilda Gutierrez

                                Elizabeth Puly

                                Michael John III

Son, Dr. Cody Fox and Jordan Fox

                                Jackson Thomas

                                Eleanor Jo

                                Lillian Grace

Daughter, Emily (Filer) Van Zante and Brandyn Van Zante

                                Bray-Lynne Grace

                                Barclay Johanna

                                Broderyck Lloyd

                                Blythe Richard

 

Her sister, Bonnie Gilliland and husband Ed, brother and sister-in-law Dr. Tom Taylor and Margaret, her aunt, Lila Becklund and loving nieces and nephews.


Barbara was preceded in death by her parents, Jack and Emily “Grace” Becklund, parents-in-law Dr. Lloyd “Jack” Filer and Evalyn Filer, brother-in-law Lloyd Filer.


A celebration of life gathering will be held on Saturday, August 31st from 10 am - 12 pm in the Forum Theater at Grand Living Tower Place, 540 S 51st St, West Des Moines, IA 50265. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to University of Iowa Psychology Clinic.


John 14:1-3 “Don’t let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, and trust also in me. There is more than enough room in my Father’s home. If this were not so, would I have told you that I am going to prepare a place for you? When everything is ready, I will come and get you, so that you will always be with me where I am”.



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