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Ann Helling

ann helling

January 9, 1928 ~ September 6, 2020

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Ann E. Helling age 92 of New Hampton, IA, died Sunday, September 6, 2020, at MercyOne Medical Center in New Hampton. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held 11:00 a.m. Thursday, September 10, 2020, at Holy Family Parish, New Hampton with Rev. Brian Dellaert celebrating the Mass. Interment will be in St. Mary’s Cemetery, New Hampton. Friends may greet the family an hour prior to the Mass at the church on Thursday. Those attending are respectfully asked to practice social distancing and please wear a mask. The Mass will also be broadcast live on Hugeback - Johnson Funeral Home Facebook page. Arrangements are with Hugeback-Johnson Funeral Home & Crematory in New Hampton. Ann’s remarkable and happy life began on Jan. 9, 1928, when she was born to Henry and Ida (Overberg) Kempker on their farm near the southeastern Iowa town of St. Paul. She grew up on the farm with two sisters and two brothers, and attended Catholic school in St. Paul — sometimes going by horse and buggy and other times walking the four miles to and from town each day. She graduated from high school at St. Mary’s Catholic High School in West Point before going to work for the Schaefer Pen Company in Fort Madison. When she took the office job, she moved in with an aunt, whose farm was near one owned by the family of Richard Helling, a World War II veteran who often delivered produce and eggs to the home where Ann was staying. To be honest, Richard probably kept stopping by because Ann was there. He must have made a good impression, for the couple began dating, fell in love and on Sept. 10, 1949, exchanged wedding vows at St. James Church in St. Paul. It was a match made in heaven, and for almost 71 years, the Hellings loved each other with all of their hearts. They raised five children — John, Bernie, Dale, Larry and Leon — and formed a wonderful partnership. Richard was the “head” and Ann was the “heart” in a loving, caring home. In December 1955, the couple bought a farm east of North Washington and made the move to Northeast Iowa, in a blizzard no less. The Hellings didn’t know a soul in Chickasaw County, but they quickly became a part of the “neighborhood.” Ann was the epitome of a farm wife, helping her husband when he needed it, making three full meals a day and, yes, mixing up five different cocoa drinks for her children. She belonged to a club called the “Country Neighbors,” where farm wives gathered to work on crafts and play cards and became an active member of Immaculate Conception Church in North Washington, where she served on the Parish Council, taught religion and was a member of the Rosary Society. Ann was an expert gardener and canner, and being a child of the Great Depression, she didn’t let anything go to waste. In 1984, Ann and Richard move to a farm just off Highway 18 and began attending church at St. Mary’s in New Hampton, and when St. Mary’s closed, she became a member of Holy Family Parish. Until COVID hit, she rarely, if ever, missed Mass. She was a very proud grandmother to 12 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren, and they loved playing cards and just hanging out with the coolest grandma in the world. She was a member of the VFW Auxiliary and was always proud of her husband’s service to his country during World War II. Ann and Richard would have celebrated their 71st anniversary on the day of her funeral, and she loved her husband as much in 2020 as she did in 1949. They still sat on the couch together, held hands and watched television. Ann’s family and friends will miss her dearly, but they also are comforted by the fact that her faith means that one day she will be reunited with her husband, her children and all those that loved her. Survivors include her husband, Richard Helling; one daughter, Bernadette (Dave) Christoph of New Hampton; four sons, John (Linda) Helling of Harlan, IA, Dale (Jo) Helling W. Des Moines, IA, Larry (Jan) Helling of Marion, Leon (Jean) Helling of Ankeny, IA; twelve grandchildren, fifteen great-grandchildren; two sisters, Bernice (Jerome) Sokolik of Bettendorf, Dorothy (Mark) Pollpeter of West Point, IA; sister-in-law, Barbara Kempker of Ft. Madison; brothers-in-law, Gene (Charlene) Helling of Lee’s Summit, MO, Stanley (Lillian) Helling of Ft. Madison, Joe (Tom) Helling of N. Ft. Myers, FL. She was preceded in death by her parents; two grandchildren, Dean Christoph and Matthew Helling; daughter-in-law, Sharon Helling; brothers, Dennis (Jane) Kempker, Robert Kempker; brother-in-law, Ed (Yvonne) Helling.

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  1. We are so sorry for your loss. She was an amazing person and neighbor for many years. Please accept our sympathy

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  21. So very sorry for your loss. I feel blessed that I visited with her at her home a week ago. Beautiful woman & mother

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  30. My folks treasured the many Sunday afternoons through the years visiting with Ann and Richard. My sympathy to Ann’s family.

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  37. So sorry to hear of Ann’s passsing. She was gracious lady & we enjoyed her & Richard when ever we seen them.

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  40. When we lose our mother , a little bit of us is taken, too. Thinking of everyone, prayers for all of you.

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  42. Bernie so sorry to hear of your Mom’s death. Enjoyed talking to her when she came to the store. Saying prayers for the family.

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  44. I have fond memories of visiting Ann and Richard. Always had a beautiful garden of both flowers and edibles. I really do believe that Ann influenced my career in horticulture thru her pastime in gardening. My sincere condolences. Darrel Helling

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  48. Such sad news. Ann was a special lady and we will miss her. Our deepest sympathy to all of the Helling family! Thinking of you and keeping you in our prayers.

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  49. Sympathy and prayers for Ann’s family. I am glad we had our short visit a couple of weeks ago at the clinic. Prayers.

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  52. My sympathy to Ann’s family. Ann always greeted everyone with a beautiful smile. She was a wonderful lady. Rest in peace, Ann.

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  53. Dale, Larry and Leon So very sorry to hear about your mom passing. I had the privilege of knowing three of the great kids she helped raise and my prayers are with you and your families. Mark Olson

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  60. Bill and I send our sincere sympathy to Richard and all of Ann’s family. I will miss seeing her at mass and out getting her mail when I drive by on my way home. Such a sweet and kind lady.

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  61. We are deeply sorry for your loss of Ann. Our thoughts and prayers for comfort during this incredibly difficult time are with you all.

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  62. Wishing you peace to bring comfort, courage to face the days ahead and loving memories to forever hold in your hearts.

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  63. Ann was an active member of American Legion Auxiliary. I enjoyed getting to know her. On behalf of our membership, prayers to all of you.

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  64. May Peace be with the Family . Matthew 5:4 Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted .

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  73. Uncle Richard and family, I am so sorry to hear of Aunt Ann. I know she was a very loving person with a beautiful heart and soul. I Love you all!

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  75. Larry our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Mom’s are so very special. May all the memories you created give you comfort & peace.

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  76. Larry & Dale, words are not enough to ease the sadness of losing a mom. Feel our deepest sympathies for you and your family.

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  78. Ann was such a sweet gracious woman. She always had a smile and a positive thought to share. I got to know her through the American Legion Auxiliary best at our county meetings. Although I also knew her through church. She will be missed. My husband Deacon Vic and I extend our deepest sympathies to all your family. We will keep you in our thoughts and prayers. Nancy DeSloover

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  81. We are so sorry for the loss of your mother. We enjoyed hearing stories about her. What a wonderful person! May the Lord bless you and keep you.

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  82. Sorry to hear of your mother’s passing our prayers go out to the family Dave and Marge Mayo Nashville NC 27856

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  84. Growing up near the Helling family was such a wonderful experience. Ann was always so warm and welcoming to any of us kids when we came over to visit, and your family and ours had a lot of fun together. I am sorry I am unable to attend the funeral, but I want to extend my deepest sympathy to all of you. I will certainly miss seeing you in person, but know that I will be thinking of you while you celebrate a life well spent. May God comfort you while you heal from your loss, and know that Ann will live in your heart forever. – Marj and Dennis Troyna

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  85. Or sympathy to Richard & the entire Helling family. We became close friends during all the years we farmed together. Ann & I shared many stories about family and we know how precious her family was to her. A beautiful lady. May she rest in peace🙏🏻

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  86. We are sad to hear of Ann’s death. She was such a sweet person and always had time to talk and share a cookie or two. She will be missed. Our condolences to the family. Roger and Deb Lantzky

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  88. I have such fond memories of Anne, she was a wonderful, loving person, and she always was so uplifting and positive. My sympathy. Karla (Schwickerath) hilt

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