In Memory of Helen M. Ladwig

Helen M. Ladwig, age 94, of Battle Creek, Iowa, passed away on Friday, October 10, 2025, at Willow Dale Wellness Village of Battle Creek, Iowa.

A Funeral Service will be held at 10:30 a.m., with a visitation held one hour prior from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m., on Tuesday, October 14, 2025, at the Christensen-Van Houten Funeral Home in Ida Grove, Iowa. Rev. Neil Wehmas will officiate. Committal will follow in the Morgan Township Cemetery in Schleswig, Iowa.

The Christensen-Van Houten Funeral Home of Ida Grove, Iowa, is in charge of the funeral arrangements.  Condolences may be sent online at www.christensenvanhouten.com

Helen Marie (Woebke) Ladwig was born on May 9, 1931, in East Boyer Township, Crawford County, Iowa, the daughter of William and Helen (Lehmann) Woebke. She was baptized into the Christian faith on July 20, 1941, and later confirmed on December 25, 1949, at Zion Lutheran Church in Denison, Iowa. Helen received her education in a local rural country school.

On August 14, 1949, Helen was united in marriage to Melvin H. Ladwig at the Zion Lutheran Parsonage in Denison. Together they were blessed with three children: Ronnie, Ricky, and Rosetta “Rose.” While raising their family, Helen worked alongside Melvin on the farm. In 1968, they moved to Ida Grove, Iowa, where she later began a career at Horn Memorial Hospital. She worked as a dietitian for 31 years, retiring in 2000.

Helen’s greatest joy in life was her family, and she cherished every moment spent with them. She proudly wore the titles of grandmother and great-grandmother.

In her spare time, Helen enjoyed canning, crocheting, playing cards, and tending to her beautiful flower beds. In their younger years, Helen and Melvin traveled extensively across the United States, visiting all but seven states.

Helen will be remembered for her strong faith, kind heart, and deep love for her family.

Left to cherish her memory are her sons: Ronnie “Ron” (Tricia) Ladwig and Ricky “Rick” (Valerie) Ladwig, both of Ida Grove, IA; son-in-law Bruce Jacobson of Mapleton, IA; grandchildren: Stephanie Ladwig of Ida Grove, IA, Scott Jacobson (special friend Andrea Burgess) of Mapleton, IA, Ryan (Candi) Ladwig of Urbandale, IA, Melonie (Jason) Petersen of Ida Grove, IA, and Ross (Christi) Ladwig of Ida Grove, IA; great-grandchildren: Kaden (Ellie) Ladwig, Kiera (Jersey Waderich) Ladwig, Kya (Easton Harms) Ladwig, Kelton Ladwig, Caitlyn Jacobson, Natalie Jacobson, Liam Jacobson, Avery Jacobson, Jalee Jacobson, Marli Jacobson, Hallie Ladwig, Reese Ladwig, Piper Ladwig, Josiah Ladwig, Blake Petersen, and Kylee Petersen; and one great-great-grandchild on the way.

She is also survived by her brother Walter Woebke of Battle Creek, IA; sisters Alma Pogensee of Denison, IA, and Betty Klink of Westside, IA; along with many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends.

Helen was preceded in death by her parents, William and Helen Woebke; her husband, Melvin H. Ladwig; her daughter, Rose Jacobson; grandsons: Jon, Brandon, and Thomas Jacobson; and siblings: Marvin Woebke, Albert Woebke, Alvin Woebke, William Woebke, and Frieda Adams.