Pamela Kay Barntsen

Pam, affectionately known as “Pink,” was born in Mason City, Iowa, on June 7, 1946. Daughter of Leo and Leona Hynes, Pam grew up in Manly, Iowa, with her sister, Pat, and three brothers, Dick, Rob and George. She graduated from North Central Community High School in 1964, then attended and graduated with an associate’s degree from Mason City Junior College.

After junior college, Pam attended the University of Iowa and met the love of her life, Gregory “Greg” Barntsen. Pam was introduced to Greg at a Memorial Union dance, where she was impressed with his dance moves. After finishing her dental hygiene specialization with a Bachelor of Science at the University of Iowa in 1968, Pam married Greg on September 28, 1968, at Bethel United Methodist Church in Manly, Iowa.

The couple moved to Dayton, Ohio, where Greg was stationed at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base and Pam worked as a dental hygienist. They then moved to Cedar Rapids, Iowa, in 1972 so Greg could attend Law School at the University of Iowa. Pam supported him as a dental hygienist, and Greg earned his law degree in 1974, which brought them to Council Bluffs Iowa, where Greg practiced at Smith Peterson Law Firm for 48 years.

Pam continued working as a dental hygienist until the couple’s first child, Gregory “Greg” was born in 1978. In 1981, they miscarried a baby girl, and their loss profoundly impacted each of them. In 1982, Pam and Greg accepted Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior, and their lives radically changed. The Lord blessed them with another son, Thomas, in 1983, and a daughter, Trisha, in 1985. Pam’s faith became her foundation, and she expressed her love for God by loving others well and praying often. She constantly and fervently prayed for family, friends and country, meeting weekly with fellow praying moms. She believed in the power of an uplifting word and consistently encouraged others. Pam knew she wasn’t perfect, just a sinner saved by grace, and she wanted others to know the same hope she found in Jesus. She and Greg faithfully attended Fellowship Church where she served joyfully for over forty years!

The role Pam was born for—and made her shine—was being the loving, nurturing mother of her three children. Her warmth, kindness, playfulness, wisdom, and joy made her home a magical place. No holiday passed without her signature sparkle and excitement filling the air. Whether cheering at a ball game, clapping at a concert, or celebrating every small victory, she found pure joy in walking alongside her kids—and their friends—through every season of life. She taught everyone that laughter is the best medicine and “people don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care.” The same qualities that made her an extraordinary mother made her an incredible “Mimi” to her twelve precious grandchildren. From snuggling babies to playing make-believe, reading stories to shooting hoops, she made each grandchild feel special—and every Christmas truly magical.

Pam was larger than life with a generous heart. The way she told stories with her characteristic animated facial expressions and body language was captivating and often hysterical. A true fashionista, she loved style, makeup and all things pink. Her passion for sports found expression in cheering for the Iowa Hawkeyes as though the team and refs could hear her through the TV. Pam laughed easily and often, with a joyous and infectious spirit that made every moment bright. Until the very end, her smile would light up the room.

Pam is survived by her loving husband of 57 years, Greg; children, Greg (Natalie) Barntsen of Lexington, KY; Thomas (Sarah) Barntsen of Woodbury, MN; Trisha (John) Deutsch, of Woodbury MN; 12 grandchildren: Grant, Brooke, Luke, Gwendolyn, Conrad, Luther, Truman, Evander, Tenley, Paige, Emma and Livi. Pam is also survived by her brother Richard (Vera) Hynes of Forest City, IA, and brother-in-law Tom Johnston of Mason City, IA. Pam was preceded in death by her brothers, George and Robert Hynes, beloved sister and best friend, Patricia Johnston, and parents Leo and Leona.

A Celebration of Life service to honor the life of Pamela Kay Barntsen will be held on Saturday, December 6, at 11:00 AM at Fellowship Church (18999 US-59) in Oakland, Iowa, with a luncheon immediately following. You are, of course, invited to wear pink.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given in Pam's honor to World Vision, a faith-based global charity that serves underprivileged children. Please copy and paste the following address for donation. https://www.worldvision.org/donate

May Pam’s spirit continue to inspire and uplift us all. May her memory be a blessing as we carry forth her legacy of love, joy, kindness, encouragement, and faithfulness.