Helen M. Johannsen

Helen Margaret Johannsen (Harder), 95, of Holstein passed away June 8, 2014. She had lived a full life in the blessings of God’s grace. She was a gentle woman who always had a kind word to say to everyone.

Helen was born December 9, 1918, to Peter and Johanna (Ketelsen) Harder in Correctionville, Iowa. She attended school at Correctionville and Western Union College in LeMars, Iowa. She taught at country schools for two years. She married Orville W. Johannsen on June 20, 1940, in the Rock Branch Salem Lutheran Church. They lived near Washta and then moved to Holstein in 1943 where they farmed 36 years. She worked at the Good Samaritan Home as a nurse’s aid for 17 years and was also active in the St Paul Lutheran Church.

Helen enjoyed spending time with her family and friends, collecting antiques, quilting, gardening, dancing, and playing bridge.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Orville; a son, James, three brothers and sisters-in-law: Fred and Fannie Mae Harder, Leona Harder; Walter and Thelma Harder; John and Elizabeth Harder; sister and brother-in-law, Clara and Lawrence King; and brother-in-law Wayne Weathers.

She is survived by her son, John (Sally) of Rockford, Iowa; son, Don (Susan) of Dubuque, Iowa; daughter, Pat Schulke (Len) of Austin, Minn.; daughter, Carol McNulty (Brian) of Waukee, Iowa; and daughter-in-law, Joelle Johannsen of Holstein; 13 grandchildren, 23 great-grandchildren, one great-great-grandchild; and sister, Anna Weathers of Hillsborough, California.