Helen Becker Conklin

Helen Becker Conklin, 97, of Perry, passed away peacefully surrounded by her family Monday, April 22, 2019.

Helen was born Jan. 22, 1922, to John Becker II and Wilhelmina (Minnie) Ernestina (Haug) Becker in Milo. Helen grew up on the family farm with her parents and four siblings. She graduated from Milo High School in 1940. On Dec. 4, 1941, Helen married Delmar Conklin of Indianola. To this union, five daughters were born, Joyce, Judy, Juli, Jill and Joelle. Helen was a loving and supportive wife and homemaker and she was the ultimate mother and nurturer to her five girls, 16 grandchildren and 26 great-grandchildren.

Helen was widowed in 1982 at the age of 60 when Delmar passed away from cancer. Others preceding her in death are her parents John and Minnie Becker; her four siblings and their wives, Johnny and Hilda Becker, Floyd and Ella Nolte, Richard and lola Becker and Henry and Geneva Becker; sister-in-law, Evelyn Becker; brothers and sisters-in law, Clark and Esther Conklin, Velma and Norman ‘Mac’ McIntyre, Eldon Eugene and Kathy Conklin and Marilyn Conklin. Also preceding her in death are her daughter, Judy Lauterbach; grandson, Trent Miner; sons-in-law, Dr. Michael Brosnahan, Dallas (Pete) VanKirk and Larry Repp.

She is survived by daughters, Joyce Conklin VanKirk (Perry), Juli Burns (Bob) of Gaylord, Minn., Jill Brosnahan (Perry) and Joelle Miner (Dan) Perry; son-in-law, Dean Lauterbach of Newton; grandchildren, David Repp (Carla) of Des Moines, Janelle Repp (Todd) of Granger, Doug Repp (Tracy) of Minburn, Christie Dunwell (Jon) of Newton, Jason Lauterbach (Lori) of Newton, Kate Leever (Dave) of Ankeny, Michael Lauterbach (Holli) of Newton, Chad Renshaw (Chantel) of Bouton, Clinton Renshaw (Whitney) of Bouton, Mindy Miner of Perry; Calvin Miner (Melissa) of San Diego, Calif., Libby Zito (Tom) of Prospect Heights, Ill., Alex Klise (Alec) of Des Moines, Hannah Brosnahan of Des Moines and Jack Brosnahan of Iowa City. Also surviving are 26 great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

With grateful hearts we wish to acknowledge the staff from Home Instead and Suncrest Home Health and Hospice for their support and care over the last five months. Helen passed away in her own home with her most precious treasure beside her — her family.

Visitation will be from 1 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, April 24 at the Carris Family Funeral Home and Cremation Care in Perry, with family present to greet friends from 4 to 7 p.m. A funeral service will begin at 11 a.m. Thursday, April 25 at the Carris Family Funeral Home and Cremation Care in Perry. Burial will be in the Violet Hill Cemetery in Perry. Memorials will be given to Raccoon River Pet Rescue in Perry or the charity of your choice and may be left at the Carris Family Funeral Home and Cremation Care. Online condolences may be sent at carrisfuneralhome.com.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the family in care of Carris Family Funeral and Cremation Care. Helen loved all creatures great and small, and memorial gifts will be donated in her name to the future Raccoon River Pet Rescue in Perry. Or you may donate to the charity of your choice in memory of Helen.