116 3rd St SE
Cedar Rapids, Iowa 52401
Obituaries
The Gazette publishes obituaries on a daily basis. Use the search field above to search for obituaries by name or keyword. Readers can submit an obituary or submit a milestone to The Gazette. The obituary must be submitted before 1 p.m. for publication online and in the newspaper the next day, with the exception of obituaries for Sunday publication, which must be submitted by 1 p.m. on Fridays.
Friday, September 19, 2014
Alma Helmer
Age: 99
City: Iowa City
Funeral Date
10 a.m. Monday, 9/22, St. Mary's Catholic Church, Iowa City
Funeral Home
Lensing Funeral & Cremation Service, Iowa City
Friday, September 19, 2014
Alma Helmer
ALMA HELMER
Iowa City
Alma J. Helmer, 99, died peacefully Wednesday, Sept. 17, 2014, at Mercy Iowa City. Mass of Christian Burial will be 10 a.m. Monday, Sept. 22, at St. Mary's Catholic Church, with Father John Spiegel officiating. Visitation will be Sunday from 2 to 5 p.m. at Lensing Funeral & Cremation Service, Iowa City, where a parish vigil service will be at 2 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be direct to Mercy Hospital Foundation, Camp Courageous or the National Czech Association.
Online condolences may be sent to www.lensing funeral.com.
Alma was born in rural Johnson County on April 24, 1915, the daughter of Anton and Katherine Machovec Netolicky. She was a graduate of Ely High School. On Oct. 18, 1938, Alma married Glenard G. Helmer in Lone Tree.
Alma was employed at Mercy Hospital for over 37 years, retiring in 1979. She began as a telephone operator and assisted the hospital administrator. Alma was the hospital's first payroll director.
Alma was a member of St. Mary's Catholic Church and the Altar and Rosary Society. She was a member of Catholic Daughters of America and Diocesan Council of Catholic Women, where she had served as diocesan treasurer. Alma had served on St. Mary's Parish Council and had memberships with the National Czech Heritage, Young Democrats and the Western Fraternal Life Association.
She was an avid reader and cook and loved to travel from the time of the horse and buggy to trips around the world.
The family would like to express their gratitude to Dr. Hanna, Dr. Wills and Mercy Iowa City staff for the gentle care and support for Alma and her family. Special thanks to Jennifer Wissink for surrounding Granny with comfort, care and love these last years for her extra ordinary life.
Alma is survived by her three children, Mary Kay (Geno) Wissink of Riverside, Ray Helmer of Iowa City and Chris (Tom) Mangrich of North Liberty; 11 grandchildren, David (Anna), Becky (Debb), Jennifer (Nilla), Sam, Tony (Christine), Amy (Hassan), Hannah (Rob), Emily (Tim), Sarah, Zachary and Abbie; 13 great- grandchildren; her sister, Maxine Hofer of Cedar Rapids; her former daughter-in-law, Janet (Dan) Driscoll; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and extended family.
Alma was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; and six siblings, Leona, Kathryn, Florence, William, Anton and Maxwell.
Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.lensingfuneral.com.