Helen Nelson

HELEN MARIE NELSON

Birmingham

Helen Marie Nelson, 95, of Birmingham, Iowa, passed away Saturday, Jan. 22, 2022, at Sunnybrook Living Care Center in Fairfield, Iowa. Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, Jan. 27, at Pedrick Funeral Home in Keosauqua, Iowa, with Pastor Phil Campbell officiating. Burial will be in the Spencer Cemetery, near Stockport, Iowa, immediately following the service. Visitation will begin at 2 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 26, at the funeral home with the family present to greet friends from 5 to 7 p.m. Memorial contributions in Helen's honor may be directed to the Spencer Cemetery Association or to Van Buren County Hospital. Friends may leave online condolences at www.cranstonfamilyfuneralhome.com.

Helen Marie Nelson was born Dec. 7, 1926, in Stockport, Iowa, to Frank and Lena Carter Clark. She attended country school and graduated from Stockport High School. While in school, she met the love of her life, George Nelson. George was drafted into the Army and returned home after basic training to marry Helen and begin their life together as husband and wife. Helen traveled to Dayton, Ohio, where George was stationed. While there she began working at the hospital. It was clear that her caring heart and loving personality made her a perfect fit at caring for those in need. Helen and George returned to Stockport after his honorable discharge and began their family. The two became loving parents of five children: David, Danny, Patricia, Debbie and Frank. Helen cared for things at home and worked at the Stockport Nursing Home until its closing. She then was a dedicated employee for many years at the Van Buren County Hospital, as well as several nursing homes in Fairfield, Iowa. In 1976, the family moved to Birmingham, Iowa, and she would remain there until her health would no longer allow her to.

After her retirement for the hospital, Helen remained active by opening a daycare out of her home. When she was not helping others she enjoyed reading, crocheting and putting together puzzles. Helen would always try and take a trip every year and enjoyed going on trips and out for meals with her siblings. Helen's life was dedicated to the service of others. She always found comfort in her family and especially enjoyed time spent with her grandchildren. She will be missed by her family and her many friends.

Helen was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, George Nelson; one son, David Nelson; a grandson, Timothy Nelson; a great-grandson, Milo Nelson; two sisters, Shirley and Betty Wallace; five brothers-in-law, John Wallace, Vern Tedrow, Don Wallace, Merlin Foreman and Jim Johnson; and a sister-in-law, Nielsine Johnson.

Left to share her story are her children, Danny (Sharon) Nelson of Lockridge, Iowa, Patricia (Wayne) Carder of Ottumwa, Iowa, Debbie (Wendell) Dorothy of Birmingham, Iowa, and Frank (Lori) Nelson of Stockport, Iowa; 12 grandchildren; and 20 great-grandchildren; two siblings, Harry (Marie) Clark and Maxine Tedrow, both of Fairfield, Iowa; as well as many extended family and friends.