In Memory of Helen C. Henkelman

Helen C. Henkelman, age 81, of Odebolt, Iowa, passed away on Wednesday, April 26, 2023, at the Reed Place of Denison, Iowa.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 a.m., on Monday, May 1, 2023, at the St. Martin Catholic Church of Odebolt, Iowa. Father Joseph A. Dillinger will officiate. Committal Services will follow in the St. Martin Catholic Cemetery of Odebolt, Iowa.

A Visitation will be held from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., with a Rosary Service at 4:45 p.m. and a Vigil Service at 5:00 p.m., on Sunday, April 30, 2023, at the St. Martin Catholic Church of Odebolt, Iowa.

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

Helen Cecilia Henkelman, the daughter of Vincent and Caroline (Weber) Daniel, was born on March 12, 1942, in Carroll, Iowa. She grew up in Arcadia, Iowa and received her education in Carroll, Iowa, where she graduated from Kuemper High School with the class of 1960.

After high school, Helen went on to further her education at beauty school earning her cosmetology certificate. On September 15, 1962, Helen was united in marriage to John J. Henkelman at the St. John’s Catholic Church of Arcadia. Helen and John were blessed with three children: Joe, James, and Janette. The family made their home on the family farm in Vail before relocating to Boyer, Iowa, in 1970 where they purchased the Boyer Grocery Store which they operated until 1978. 

In 1993 they moved to Odebolt, Iowa. Helen was a faithful and devoted servant of the Lord. Her family fondly remembers that you were always able to find a rosary, “Just check mom’s sweater pockets”.  A devoted member of the St. Martin’s Catholic Church of Odebolt, Helen spent her time serving when she was able on the ladies’ altar guild and taught CCD. She also volunteered her time calling Bingo at the local nursing home and with the local ladies’ auxiliary.

In her free time Helen could be found in her chair with a cup of coffee enjoying one of the many game shows on T.V. Helen loved a good word search, playing cards, arts & crafts, Bingo, crocheting baby blankets, and in her younger years was a star bowler. She took pleasure in cooking for her family and is fondly remembered for her delectable sweet rolls on Wednesday nights and homemade potato salad just to name a few. Helen’s greatest joys in her life were her family and her faith. This devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, and friend will be truly missed by all that knew and loved her.

Survivors include her children Joe (Michele) Henkelman of Kiron, IA, James Henkelman of Odebolt, IA and Janette (Joe) Vesterfelt Carroll, IA; six grandchildren: Tisha (James) Lindgren, Tanna Henkelman, Tage Henkelman, Jaylynn Vesterfelt, Jirieya Vesterfelt, Jukoie Vesterfelt; great-grandchildren: Knox, Beckham, Ava, and Jude Lindgren; siblings: Ray (Jane) Daniel of Carroll, IA, JoAnn (John) Olberding of Carroll, IA, John (Judi) Daniel of Carroll,  IA, Albert (Mary) Daniel of Carroll, IA and Don (Linda) Daniel of Greenville, SC; sister-in-law Alice Scheels of Bloomington, IL and extended family and friends. 

Helen was preceded in death by her parents Vincent and Caroline Daniel; husband John Henkelman; and brothers John Daniel (in infancy) and David Daniel.