Helen M. Hodge, 92, of rural Washta, Iowa passed away on Monday, July 24, 2017 at the Heartland Care Center in Marcus, Iowa surrounded by her family. Funeral services will take place at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, July 28, 2017 at Meadow Star United Methodist Church, rural Washta, Iowa. Rev. Gary Fridley will officiate. Burial will follow at Grand Meadow Cemetery, rural Washta. Visitation will begin at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, July 27, 2017 at the Johnson – Earnest Funeral Home in Kingsley, Iowa. The family will be present from 5-7 p.m. with a prayer service at 7:00 p.m. There will also be one hour of visitation at the church prior to the funeral service on Friday. Expressions of sympathy may be directed through www.mauerjohnsonfh.com
Helen Marie Hodge was born on July 16, 1925 in Schleswig, Iowa, the daughter of Herman and Marie (Bohrnsen) Petersen. Helen’s father passed away when she was a young girl so her mother took her and her sister, Emma, to Germany. They lived there for a few years and, after Marie remarried, the family returned to the Schleswig area. Helen received her education in Schleswig and later worked at the telephone office in Pierson. She also spent a few years in Chicago, Illinois working at Bell and Howell to aid the war effort.
On April 6, 1947, Helen and (Thomas) Paul Hodge were united in marriage at Marshalltown, Iowa. They had a double wedding with Helen’s sister, Emma and Paul’s brother, Marlin. Helen and Paul made their home on a farm near Washta, Iowa. Along with raising her family, Helen assisted Paul with all of the hard work associated with farm life.
Helen was an active member of Meadow Star United Methodist Church, rural Washta, Iowa. She assisted with various functions and dinners along with serving as a communion steward. Most of all, Helen was completely dedicated to caring for her family and looked forward to spending time with them.
She will be lovingly remembered by her daughters, Rita (Gene) Werthman of Englewood, FL, Luann (Don) Hammer of Salida, CO and Connie (Christopher) Montoya of Kennewick, WA; three grandchildren, Jake (Ashley) Werthman of Overland Park, KS, Jenny Piwowar of Leesburg, FL and Sierra Montoya of Kennewick, WA; three great-grandchildren, Katelyn Werthman, Hunter and McKenzie Piwowar; step-grandchildren, Mark Werthman of Chicago, IL, Bill (Amy) Werthman of Livonia, MI, Amy (Craig) Sielaff of Milan, MI, Wendi (Ced) Nafziger of Longmont, CO, Kim (Mike) Puzo of Longmont, CO, Craig (Joann) Hammer of Westminster, CO and Sheridon (TJ) Simington of Frederick, CO; several step-great grandchildren; and a sister, Garnet Hegre of Grovetown, GA.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Paul; step-father, Herman Delfskamp; and a sister and brother-in-law, Emma and Marlin Hodge.
The family requests in lieu of flowers, memorials be directed to Heartland Care Center, Marcus, Iowa or to the family church, Meadow Star United Methodist Church, Washta, Iowa.
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