Barbara A. Grutzmacher, 82, of Davenport passed away, Saturday, August 1, 2026 at Clarissa C. Cook Hospice House.

Memorial visitation will be held from 4:00 – 6:00 PM, Tuesday, August 11, 2026 at Halligan-McCabe-DeVries Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers please join us in raising a drink to Mom’s memory.

Barbara was born on January 14, 1944 to Maynard and Jane (Camins) Wilson. She was united in marriage to Leonard Grutzmacher on July 2, 1960. He was her first and only love. Together they shared over 63 years of marriage prior to his passing on July 8, 2023.

Barbara was a homemaker until her children were in their teens and worked as a pie maker at the local high school. To be closer to animals and gardening, she worked a short time at Scott County Seed in Davenport. She had a green thumb and took pride in her well manicured yard. She surrounded herself with the animals she loved dearly. At times she loved animals and nature more than people.

When her husband, Leonard, opened his own transmission repair shop, she supported him by being secretary, parts runner, shop janitor, coffee maker, and anything else she could do to help out. All while still keeping and immaculate house and yard, and yes, still ironing pants and shirts!

She enjoyed camping, fishing, knitting, Taco Tuesday’s and enjoying a cold Busch Light with friends and family. She was a proud supporter of Busch Light and also didn’t mind an occasional fireball. Barbara loved her winter trips to the ocean with family and friends and also enjoyed showing off their restored 34 Ford Sedan Delivery at car shows and the Hot Rod Power Tour.

When the kids were dating their spouses and after they married, she hosted dinner for the “family” every Sunday evening. Visitors to her home were greeted with a warm smile and a request to sit for a while and enjoy a cold beer. Every time someone left the house she would stand on the front porch and wave until they were out of sight.

Barbara’s arthritic fingers worked from sun up until sun down, or until a friend stopped by. She will be remembered as an ornery, loveable lady who always did it her way and usually without a filter. She could accomplish anything she put her mind to. She will be deeply missed.

Those left to honor her memory include her children Rick (Deb) Grutzmacher and Terri (Butch) Smith; grandchildren Amanda (Aaron) Schurman, Cody Grutzmacher and Chantel Miller; great grandchildren Skye Schurman, Raelynn Miller and Ryker Miller; special niece who was considered a daughter, Valarie Stewart; sister Julia Mueller, Sun City, AZ; and many other nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents and her husband Leonard.