Barbara Jean Gipper passed away Thursday, June 15, 2023 at MercyOne Medical Center in Oelwein after a long courageous battle with cancer. She was born January 1, 1949 in Oelwein the daughter of Louie and Betty (Ghere) Maillie. Barb attended and graduated from Oelwein High School. She married John Gipper in 1969 at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Fairbank. Barb and John made their home on an acreage just south of the Fairbank city limits. There they raised their two children, Rob and Cindy. They also raised Greyhound dogs for a number of years until John’s health declined. John passed away in 1994. After John’s death Barb remained on the acreage for the rest of her life where she enjoyed being out in the yard with her flowers and her numerous cats. She enjoyed reading and crocheting when she wasn’t working at the Fairbank Locker. Barb loved her family including her close friend Bette Brown who was like a sister to her. Barb is survived by her son, Robert (Chris) Gipper of Fairbank and her daughter, Cindy (Brian) Bunn of Nevada, Iowa, eight grandchildren, six great-grandchildren, two brothers; Roy Maillie and Brad Maillie, one sister; Sandy Maillie along with several nieces and nephews and her best friend, Bette Brown. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, John, step-mother, Shirley Maillie, two sisters; Jane and Candy and two nephews; Shane and Jason.

Funeral Services: 10:30 am Friday, June 23, 2023 at Woods Funeral Home in Fairbank.

Visitation: 9:00-10:30 am Friday at the funeral home.

Inurnment: Fairbank Cemetery

Memorials: may be directed to the family for later designation.

Barb’s family would like thank Cedar Valley Hospice, the 2nd floor staff at MercyOne, the staff at the MercyOne cancer treatment center, Dr. Montgomery, Dr. Schwarm and Dr. Nasari for the care they gave to Barb.