Anna Barbara Temple

Anna Barbara Temple died peacefully at the Good Samaritan Center in West Union on April 28, 2020. Barbara was born February 2, 1918. She was the first of five children born to Balthasar and Amelia Kamm. She graduated from West Union High School, where she was a star basketball player, and later studies music at Upper Iowa University in Fayette. Barbara was a gifted musician. For eight years she taught piano and organ in her private studio to generations of students, many of who earned honor at the Dorian Music Festivals at Luther College and in State Fair competitions. She also provided music for countless weddings, funerals and special events, and regularly played for the residents of area nursing homes and retirement communities. She was a featured musician at Luigi’s Supper Club in Oelwein, and for decades she served as a church organist, first at Zion Lutheran Church and later at the Crossfire Church, both in West Union. For those who knew her, Barbara will forever be remembered for her generous head of hair, dark sunglasses, sporty cars, and most importantly, the high-heeled shoes she wore until she was 98 years old.

Barbara was married to James Temple, who died in 1967. She was preceded in death by her parents and siblings, Robert, Harold, Edna Mae, and Balz Jr., as well as her nephew, Barry Kamm. She is survived by other nephews and nieces, including David (Becky) Kamm of Decorah, and her niece-in-law, Kris (Barry) Kamm of West Union. Barbara will be laid to rest at a private ceremony in Elgin. The family requests that memorials in honor of Barbara be given to the Good Samaritan Center in West Union, or to St. Croix Hospice in Strawberry Point.