Helen Joyce Wanberg was born on a farm north of Sheldon, Iowa on February 18, 1928 to Maurice and Sarah Kathryn “Kate” (Lamkin) Ling. She attended country school, graduating as salutatorian from Sheldon High School in 1945. After attending Morningside College, she taught for one year at Gaza Consolidated School in Gaza, Iowa. On June 6, 1948, she was united in marriage to France Wanberg at the United Methodist Church in Sheldon. Helen and France farmed west of Galva until 1954 and then moved into town when France was appointed postmaster of the Galva Post Office. In the following years she did income tax work for several lawyers until she started work as a deputy in the Ida County auditor’s office from 1973-1976. She was elected as County Auditor in 1977, and served until her retirement in 1992. During her term of office, she was elected president of the Iowa State Association of County Auditors.
Helen was very active in the United Methodist Church of Galva, teaching Sunday school, as a member of the Circle, church treasurer and singing for many special occasions with her beautiful voice. She was active in Civic Club, American Legion Auxiliary, on the library board, and conducted the pageant for the Galva Centennial.
Helen was preceded in death by her parents; three brothers and one sister.
She is survived by her loving husband, France of Holstein, IA; children, Kathy (Dennis) Breyfogle of Holstein, IA, Gary (Deb) of Galva, IA, Becky (Kirby) Neil of Atchison, KS, Rick (Kim) of Denison, IA; grandchildren, Grant (Angie) Breyfogle, Scott (Rachael) Breyfogle, Sean (Veronica) Courtney, Michelle (David) Patterson, Ryan (Kerry) Wanberg, Justin (Cassie) Wanberg, Sarah (Eric) Szymanski, Ashley (Anthony) Leis, Zach and Laura Wanberg, and Emily, Chloe, and Abby Wanberg; great-grandchildren, Jake and Maxwell Breyfogle, Wesley and Ellanore Breyfogle, Michael and Sean Courtney, Sam Patterson, Beckett and Sydney Wanberg, and Jason and Ben Wanberg. She is also survived by sister-in-law, Joanne (Dave) Brueck of Storm Lake, IA; brother-in-law, Dr. Kenneth (Dottie) Wanberg of Denver, CO; and many nephews and nieces.
Helen and France loved to travel and were fortunate enough to visit all fifty states. Helen loved her family and was happiest when her grandchildren would bring a book to her and say, “Read to me, Grandma.” She will be missed by all who knew and loved her.
The family would like to thank Char-Mar of Holstein for the wonderful care and concern that was given to her. Memorials may be made to the Galva United Methodist Church or the Galva Public Library.
Visitation:
A visitation will be held on Sunday, March 09, 2014 from 1:30 PM - 3:00 PM at the church.
Funeral:
A funeral service will be held on Sunday, March 09, 2014 at 3:00 PM at the United Methodist Church of Galva with the Rev. Kristin D. Boysen officiating.
Burial:
Burial will be at the Galva Township East Cemetery of Galva.