Helen Kasparbauer

   Helen Katherine, daughter of Henry and Katie (Rupiper) Steffes, was born March 26, 1915, near Templeton in Carroll County, Iowa. She attended rural schools until at age 12, when she started working out as a hired girl for families around the Templeton and Halbur area.

  On November 25, 1935, Helen was united in marriage with Frank Xavier Kasparbauer at Sacred Heart Church in Templeton. Eight children were born to this union. They started farming south of Templeton and in 1973 moved to the Guth farm west of Aspinwall. After eleven years there, they bought the Wanninger farm south of the Guth farm. Helen was a busy homemaker but also helped with the farm work. They retired in 1990 and continued to live on the farm. After Frank died in 2000, Helen moved into Manning. 

   Helen was a member of Sacred Heart Church in Manilla and later Sacred Heart Church in Manning. Throughout the years, she was active in the Altar and Rosary Society and 65-year member of the Catholic Daughters of the Americas. In her spare time, she enjoyed sewing and made many beautiful quilts, rugs and other crafts. Helen also enjoyed traveling and meeting people around the country and throughout the world, including Eastern Europe and India.

   On Saturday, May 6, 2017, Helen passed away at Manning Plaza Nursing Home in Manning. She was 102 years, 1 month and 10 days of age.

   She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Frank Kasparbauer (July 1, 2000), grandson Tim Wilkins, great-grandson Joshua Kasperbauer, brothers: Frank (Katie & Cordella) Steffes, Herbert (Eleanor) Steffes, Alvin (Hilda) Steffes, and Cletus (Rita) Steffes; sisters Wilhelmina (Anselm) Irlbeck and Alma (Donald) Fuchs.

   Helen is survived by her children: Sister Jean Kasparbauer, FSPA, of Lacrosse, WI; Janice and husband Harold Wilkins of West Des Moines; Norbert Kasperbauer and wife Mary Ann of Manilla; Frances Norton of Liberty, MO; Lois Schechinger of LaPalma, CA; Rita Knapton of Wall Lake; Leo Kasparbauer and wife Joleen of Carroll; and Dennis Kasparbauer and wife Karen of Manning; 27 grandchildren; 49 great-grandchildren; 8 great-great-grandchildren; and by many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Reverend John Gerald, Celebrant

Mass Servers

Megan and Taylor Williams

Lectors

Kevin Kasperbauer     Maria Ruhe  

Gift Bearers

Helen’s Great Grand Children

Eucharistic Minister

Leo Kasparbauer

Music

“On Eagle’s Wings”  
“Precious Lord Take My Hand”

“You Are Mine”     “How Great Thou Art”

Sacred Heart Choir

Pat Heithoff, Organist

Casket Bearers

Helen’s Grandchildren

Dr. Roger Kasperbauer     Dr. Amy Albrecht

Randy Kasparbauer     Brenda Kasparbauer

Kevin Kasperbauer     Dr. Gena Daly

Interment

Mt. Olivet Cemetery, Manilla, Iowa