HELEN SIMONSON

Helen Pedersen Simonson was born September 26, 1917 in Humboldt, Iowa, the daughter of Chris and Thora Pedersen. She grew up in the Bradgate area where she attended school.

On December 22, 1938, Helen was united in marriage to Sterling Simonson in Rolfe, Iowa. After their marriage the couple lived for a short time in the Plover area before moving to Rolfe where they farmed. They then moved to a farm near Whittemore in 1944, where they stayed until moving into Whittemore in 1980.

Helen enjoyed playing cards, quilting and collecting salt and pepper shakers. She was a member of St. Paul's Lutheran Church of Whittemore, Ladies Aide and the choir. She was also a member of the Whittemore American Legion Auxiliary, where she has been a Gold Star Mother since 1968.

Helen died on Wednesday, July 17, 2002 at the Kossuth Regional Health Center in Algona at the age of 84.

She is survived by her children Stanley Simonson and wife Marlys; Shirley and husband Bob Ludwig; Sidney Simonson and wife Ruth; Stuart Simonson and wife Cindy; Simon Simonson and wife Nancy; all of Whittemore, Iowa and Sheree Simonson of Algona, Iowa; 21 grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; brother, Robert Pedersen of Rolfe, Iowa; sister, Betty and husband Eddie Wilcox of Algona, Iowa.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Sterling; son, Steven; brothers Lester, Andrew and Melvin Pedersen and grandsons Stanley and Simon Simonson.