Lillian M. Helling, 86, of rural Fort Madison, IA, passed away at 11:50 p.m. on Tuesday, January 23, 2024 at her home surrounded by her family . She was born on August 3, 1937 in Houghton, IA to William & Loretta Hellweg Jacobsmeier. She married Stanley B. Helling on January 26, 1957 at Sacred Heart Church in Fort Madison, IA. In her early years, she was one of the first Candy Stripers at Sacred Heart Hospital in Fort Madison. She was a homemaker and helped her husband on the farm. She was a member of Holy Family Parish and enjoyed baking, singing, writing poetry, camping, square dancing, ballroom dancing. Her favorite dance of all was the waltz. Lillian was known for her famous cinnamon rolls, her infectious giggle & her sense of humor. She sang bass in the barbershop quartet with her sisters, the L-Aires. She was the biggest cheerleader for her children’s and grandchildren’s activities and her most joyful moments were being surrounded by her family.
Lillian is survived by: her husband: Stanley Helling of Fort Madison, IA; 7-children: Marvin Helling of Fort Madison, IA, Steve Helling of Davenport, IA, Mark (Julie) Helling of Kansas City, MO, Darrel (Patrick Bell) Helling of Overland Park, KS, Margaret (Paul) Cooper of Montrose, IA, Patrick (Mike Rasso) Helling of Moline, IL & Marilyn (Brian) Dingus of Danville, IA; 11-grandchildren: Derek Helling, Brett Helling, Ryan Cooper, Dustin Helling, Addison Houston, Tanner Kruse, Aubrey Helling, Trenton Kruse, Teagan Kruse, Blain Dingus & Cami Rasso; 2-step grandchildren: Airanna Rasso & Bella Rasso; 1-great granddaughter on the way: Lyla Houston; 2-sisters: Luanne (Jim) Pruett & Laura Hyatt of Fort Madison, IA. She was preceded in death by: her parents, 1-step grandson: Michael Miller & 4-siblings: Wendell, Martin, Justin Jacobsmeier & Lorene Ellerhoff.
A visitation will be held from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. on Monday, January 29, 2024 at King-Lynk Funeral Home & Crematory. At 6:00 p.m., Rev. Dean Graber will say a few words. The funeral mass will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, January 30, 2024 at Sacred Heart Church with Rev. Gary Beckman officiating. Burial will be held at Gethsemane Cemetery. Memorials have been established for: Southeast Iowa Regional Hospice, St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital or Holy Trinity Catholic Schools. Online condolences to the Helling family may be left at the King-Lynk Funeral Home & Crematory website: www.kinglynk.com.
