Helen Sarah Vrzak Whalen

Helen Sarah Vrzak Whalen age 89 of Lawler, IA, died Wednesday, August 12, 2026, at The Highlands Home in Decorah.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 a.m. Monday, August 17, 2026, at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Catholic Church in Lawler, with Rev. Thiet Hoang celebrating the Mass. Interment will be held at Saint Mary’s Catholic Cemetery, Little Turkey with Devin White, Collin White, Braiden Vrzak, Mitchell White, Austin Vrzak, Cal Seehase, Eric Mulder, and Cole Vrzak serving as pallbearers.  Megan Svestka, Nicole Kuennen, Hailey Gage, Jocelyn Mulder, and Jaydlin Seehase will be serving as honorary pallbearers.

Friends are invited to greet the family from 4:00 – 7:00 p.m. on Sunday, August 16, 2026, at the church in Lawler.  Visitation will continue an hour prior to the service at the church on Monday.

Hugeback – Johnson Funeral Home & Crematory in New Hampton has been entrusted with arrangements.

Helen was born on August 14, 1936, in New Hampton, Iowa, to Thrond and Bertha (Ehret) Throndson. She grew up with the values of hard work, faith, and family that would guide her throughout her life. Helen graduated from Lawler High School in 1954.

On April 27, 1957, Helen married Walter “Bud” Vrzak of Waucoma at Riley Ridge. Their story began years earlier when they met at a dance in their younger years, and that early connection grew into a lifelong partnership. Following their marriage, they made their home on the Vrzak family farm near Jackson Junction, where Helen devoted herself to creating a warm and steady home for her family. She embraced the many responsibilities of farm life that touched everyone around her. In addition to her work as a homemaker and farm wife, she also managed Vrzak Insurance, where her dependable nature and careful attention were deeply valued.

After Bud’s death, Helen found companionship again and married Jack Whalen on August 7, 1998.

Helen enjoyed many things in life, and she found happiness in simple and meaningful moments. In High School, she was a great forward on the basketball team playing 6 v 6. She was very proud of her long arms and jumping ability and the fact she seldom lost a jump ball situation. She loved bowling and was always pleased to spend time in friendly competition and good company. She was known for her wonderful cooking, especially for the hired help on the farm. She loved to travel and especially enjoyed her winters in Texas. Her greatest joy in life was sitting in the bleachers watching her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren play whatever sport was in season at the time.

After her son Don’s death on 9-10-81, Helen became active in Compassionate Friends. She gave many talks on behalf of Compassionate Friends to other grieving parents and shared her story with High School students at TEC about grief and loss. Her willingness to speak openly and kindly about such tender subjects reflected the depth of her faith and the selfless nature of her heart.

Helen is survived by her husband John “Jack” Whalen of Fredericksburg; children: Cindy (Tom) Kuennen of Cedar Rapids, Jerry (Tammy) Vrzak of Waucoma, Connie (Steve) White of Decorah, Joan (Dave) Mulder of Eldora and Bob Vrzak of Waucoma; grandchildren: Nicole Kuennen, Hailey (Vrzak) Gage, Braiden Vrzak, Austin Vrzak, Megan (White) Svestka, Devin White, Collin White, Mitchell White, Jocelyn Mulder, Eric Mulder, Cal Seehase, Jaydlin Seehase and Cole Vrzak; 18 great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents Thrond and Bertha (Ehret) Throndson; husband Walter “Bud” Vrzak; son Don Vrzak; Siblings; Bernice (Merle) Cutsforth, Ardes (Jim) King, Caroline Throndson (in infancy), Clarence (Rita) Throndson, Irvin (Florence) Throndson, Bob (Arlene) Throndson and Harlan (Luann)Throndson. Vrzak In-laws; Clara (Clarence) Wichman, Evelyn (Irvin) Winter, Frank (Arlene) Vrzak and Jim (Millie) Vrzak.

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