Barbara "Barb" J. Gaul

NEW VIENNA, IOWA

Barbara J. Gaul, 85, of New Vienna, Iowa, passed away Wednesday, March 4, 2026, at St. Luke’s Hospital in Cedar Rapids, Iowa surrounded by her family.

Visitation will be held 2 – 7 p.m. Tuesday, March 10, 2026, at Kramer-Morris Funeral Home in Dyersville, Iowa. Visitation will continue from 9 – 10 a.m. at the funeral home prior to funeral services.

Funeral Services will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, March 11, 2026, at Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Luxemburg, Iowa with burial in the church cemetery. Rev. Tyler Raymond will officiate.

Barb was born on October 11, 1940, in Dubuque, Iowa, daughter of Fred and Thelma (Bahl) Ehrlich. She graduated from St. Joseph’s Academy in Dubuque. Barb married Daniel C. Gaul on November 9, 1959, at Holy Ghost Church in Dubuque. They farmed side by side their entire lives west of Luxemburg. She enjoyed cutting and baling hay, hauling corn and tending livestock.

Barb was dedicated to her faith and community by raising her children in a faith filled environment and was a member of the Holy Trinity Parish. She found joy in life’s simple traditions and the people she loved most. A proud breast cancer survivor, she carried strength and gratitude into every day, embracing life with resilience and warmth. During the holidays, her kitchen filled with the sweet aroma of baked and beautifully decorated Christmas cookies, a tradition that delighted family and friends alike. She lovingly sewed Christmas stockings for her family, ensuring each one was as unique as the person who hung it by the fireplace. Nothing brought her more happiness than spending time with her grandchildren, whose laughter filled her heart. She also held a deep appreciation for the American flag, proudly provided the flag with extra stitching at Platt Cemetery. Her resilience, independence, creativity, and devotion to family will be remembered and cherished by all who knew her.

Survivors include her children: Cheryl (Al) Keltner of Manchester, Dan Jr. (Jean) Gaul of Rickardsville, Carrie (Charlie) Deutmeyer of New Vienna, Kristine (Randy) Nefzger of Petersburg, Keith (Fiancé Angie Rinnels) Gaul of New Vienna, Cindy (Tom) Roling of Dyersville; and Jason (Rebecca) Gaul of New Vienna; grandchildren: Raechel (Brian) Krogmann, Whitney (Dr. Jacob) Wessels, Tony (Amanda) Gaul, Luke Gaul, Melissa (Collin) Dolphin, Jared (Caitlyn) Deutmeyer, Nicole (Joe) Ament, Kathy (Mike) Wendt, Jacob Nefzger, Megan (Myles) Laven, Jamie (Mariah) Nefzger, Kody Gaul, Becca (Dillon) Mills, Emily (Hannah) Hilgenkamp, Carter (Libby DeMoss) Gaul, Ethan (Macy Deutmeyer) Gaul, Michael (Fiancé Ella Harter), Sarah, Steven and Andrew Roling, Kael, Clay and Kadee Gaul and 15 great grandchildren with 2 on the way; siblings: Dolores (Cletus) Ambrosy, Norbert (Nancy) Ehrlich and Marilyn (Richard) Borgerding; in-laws: Bernice Ehrlich, Lois Ehrlich, Linda Ehrlich, Richard Thoma, John J (Kay) Gaul, Judy Gaul, Phyllis Hildebrand and Karla (Robert) Kluesner.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Daniel, parents, parents-in-law, George and Alice Gaul; siblings: Tom (Rosie) Ehrlich, Ina (Robert) Hohmann, Frances (Carl) Pfeiler, Paul Ehrlich, Charles (Mark) Ehrlich, Frederick Ehrlich, Ethel Thoma, Ernest Ehrlich and Vince (Diane) Ehrlich; in-laws: Patrick Gaul, Jerome Hildebrand, Leonard Hildebrand and Elaine (Dave) Shaw.

The family would like to thank all of her doctors and nurses at St. Luke’s.

Kramer-Morris Funeral Home (Dyersville, Guttenberg, Garnavillo, Monticello, Holy Cross) is assisting the family and online condolences may be left for the family at www.kramer-morrisfuneralhome.com.