Helen Schmitz

Helen Marie, daughter of John T. and Anna (Hackfort) Schmitz was born March 22, 1927 on the family farm near Willey, Iowa. She attended Webster Independent Country School across the road from her home and then graduated from St. Mary's School in Willey and St. Angela's Academy in Carroll. Helen was a lifelong member of St. Mary's Parish and Guild in Willey. She also belonged to the Carmel Guild in Sioux City. Helen loved classical and church music and was a devoted choir member. Her family could hear her singing while doing dishes, caring for her flower gardens and canning from her bountiful vegetable garden. Helen cared for her mother and later kept house and helped her brothers on the family farm where she lived her entire life. Helen was known for her apple pies, pickles, angel food birthday cakes and raising chickens. Helen's mother taught her to quilt and she made many beautiful quilts through the years. She volunteered with the Willey Merry Maids 4-H Club. It was difficult to convince Helen to move into a condo in Carroll when the time came, as she treasured her life and home on the farm. When her health began to fail she moved to Regency Park Nursing Home in Carroll in 2012. She died there Friday, November 6, 2015 at the age of 88 years, 7 months and 15 days. Preceding her in death are her parents; sisters Leone Kitt, Rose Gross, Louise Kennebeck and Marie Werner and brothers Ed Schmitz, Leo Schmitz, Paul (Pat) Schmitz and Louis Schmitz. Helen is survived by her brother Andrew Schmitz of Carroll; sister in law Betty Masching of Carroll and numerous nieces and nephews, other relatives and friends. REVEREND TIM JOHNSON,CELEBRANT REVEREND ED TIEDEMANN,CONCELEBRANT Lector Sister Georgia Kitt Gift Bearers Helen's Nieces Mass Servers Anna and Stephanie Schultes Eucharistic Ministers Jan Handlos Music ST. MARY'S CHOIR MARCY ANDERSON, ACCOMPANIST SHERRY LOUGHRAN, VOCALIST Casket Bearers GARY HANDLOS RYAN HANDLOS LOREN DANNER MARTY DANNER ADAM SOYER MARK SOYER The family wishes to express their gratitude for your kindness and invites you to join them for lunch and fellowship at the Parish Hall following the committal service.