White Funeral Home
1315 Main Street
Jesup, Iowa 50648

GILBERTVILLE – Barbara Helene (Schares) Mayer, 88 years old, of Gilbertville, Iowa, passed away surrounded by her family at her home on August 5, 2026, following a lengthy illness.

Funeral services will be 10:30 a.m. – Thursday, August 13, 2026, at Immaculate Conception, Gilbertville, with Rev. Douglas J. Loecke, celebrant. Burial will be in St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery.

Visitation will be 4:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m., Wednesday, August 12, 2026, at White Funeral Home, Jesup, Iowa, where there will be a rosary said at 4:00 p.m. and a vigil service at 7:00 p.m.

Barbara was born on June 9, 1938, the daughter of Anthony Edward and Anna Johanna (Nie) Schares. Barb attended school in Gilbertville at Immaculate Conception, and on August 9, 1965, she married the love of her life, John “Jack” Mayer. Together they built a home filled with love and laughter.

Barb worked at Bishop’s Cafeteria and the coffee shop in Black’s Department Store, both in Waterloo, Iowa, before dedicating many years to providing childcare in her home. She cared for each child as if they were her own, offering the kind of gentle attention and joy that made her home a comforting place for many families. Her hands were rarely still—Barb loved embroidering, and over the years she gifted countless embroidered dish towels, each one stitched with patience, pride, and affection. She enjoyed playing games with her family, especially Yahtzee, where her competitive spirit, joyful energy, and contagious laugh—well known to everyone who loved her—filled the room. Barb also loved visiting casinos and gambling with family and friends, finding joy in the excitement of the games and the simple pleasure of a lucky win. Barb was a member of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, Gilbertville.

Barb lived a life shaped by gentle generosity, steadfast love, and a heartfelt commitment to her family. Her legacy lives on in her daughters, her grandchildren, and in the many lives she touched with her kindness.

Barb is survived by her six daughters, Sharon Mayer and Annette Mayer of Gilbertville, Beverly (Brad) Florence of Peosta, Iowa, Patty Mayer of Ankeny, Iowa, Susan (Gabe Harmelink) Mayer of Lakeville, Minnesota, and Kimberly (Braden) Wipperman of Bondurant, Iowa; seven grandchildren, Matthew, Brandon, Ziana, and Kingston Florence; Caelyn, Reece, and Brynn Wipperman; and two siblings, Anna Marie Fettkether of Waterloo and Leroy (Cheryl) Schares of Independence, Iowa.

Barb is preceded in death by her parents; her husband, John, three brothers and their spouses—Robert (Jeanette) Schares, Rich (Rosie) Schares, and Ed (Dorothy) Schares; four sisters and their spouses—Helene Weber, Margaret (Matt) Schmitz, Thelma (John) Babinat, and Gladys (Paul) Newton; and her brother in law, Keith Fettkether.

Memorials may be directed to the Bosco School System and Cedar Valley Hospice.

Condolences may be placed at www.White-MtHope.com.

White Funeral Home, Jesup, Iowa, is caring for the family.