Barbara Steen

Barbara Steen, 89, of Cedar Rapids, passed away November 11, 2022, at the University of Iowa Hospitals in Iowa City. No services are presently planned. Stewart Baxter Funeral & Memorial Services, Cedar Rapids is caring for Barbara's family Barbara is survived by her son, Diedrick and his wife, Virginia; three grandsons, Matthias, Harmon, and Micah; all of Cedar Rapids. Barbara was born May 7, 1933, in Dante, SD, on the Rosebud Reservation. Barbara is the daughter of F.B. and Rena Schroder Popkes. Barbara was proud of being honored as a member of the Lakota Sioux Tribe. As a young girl, her family moved to What Cheer, Iowa, where Barbara grew up. The family moved again to Waverly, here Barbara graduated from high school. She attended Iowa State Teacher's College (UNI), Iowa and Iowa State. Barbara received her Nursing Degree from the Hamline School of Nursing in the Twin Cities, MN. Barbara was united in marriage to Gerald Steen on July 26, 1958, at the Calvary Baptist Church in Cedar Falls. Barbara worked throughout her life as a Registered Nurse. Prominently, Barbara was instrumental in the formation of the Nursing Program at Hawkeye Technology College in Waterloo. She also assisted formation of the State of Iowa Licensed Practical Nursing Board. Barbara served on the Board of Nursing for the State of Iowa for over 22 years. The majority of that time, serving as board chairman. She was a lady of vast and numerous interests, which included sewing and antiquing. Barbara and Gerald were blessed with one son, Rick. Gerald passed away in 2009, She is preceded in death by her parents, and husband.