Barbara Aileen Fortune

Barbara Aileen Fortune, 96, passed away at Bickford Senior Living in Des Moines, IA on June 29, 2025.

Barbara was born August 9, 1928, in Keokuk, Iowa, the daughter of William and Florence Howe. She graduated from Keokuk High School. Barbara married George “Jun” Fortune, Jr. on February 22, 1946. Together they ran Fortune’s Tavern and Restaurant until they retired in 1971. Barb also worked at the Phone Booth in Keokuk beginning in 1984 when it opened.  Jun and Barb were ballroom dance instructors and they enjoyed hunting and fishing together. Barbara was a lifetime resident of Keokuk until 2015 when she moved to Des Moines, Iowa, to be closer to her niece Marialice Fecht.

Barbara is preceded in death by her husband, George “Jun”. She is survived by her nieces and nephews.  A special thank you to the staff at the Bickford Senior Living facility and her niece Marialice Fecht for the long-term care provided once she moved to Des Moines.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 am on Monday, August 11, 2025, at Printy Funeral Home, 917 Blondeau Street, Keokuk, Iowa. Burial will follow at Keokuk National Cemetery.

Printy Funeral Home of Keokuk is in charge of arrangements.

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.