Lillian M. Helling

1937 - 2024

Lillian M. Helling, 86, of rural Fort Madison,passed away at 11:50 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 23, 2024, at her home surrounded by her family.
She was born on Aug. 3, 1937, in Houghton, Iowa,  to William and Loretta Hellweg Jacobsmeier. She married Stanley B. Helling on Jan. 26, 1957, at Sacred Heart Church in Fort Madison.
In her early years, she was one of the first Candy Stripers at Sacred Heart Hospital in Fort Madison. She was a homemaker and helped her husband on the farm. She was a member of Holy Family Parish and enjoyed baking, singing, writing poetry, camping, square dancing, ballroom dancing. Her favorite dance of all was the waltz.
Lillian was known for her famous cinnamon rolls, her infectious giggle and her sense of humor. She sang bass in the barbershop quartet with her sisters, the L-Aires. She was the biggest cheerleader for her children's and grandchildren's activities and her most joyful moments were being surrounded by her family.
Lillian is survived by her husband, Stanley Helling of Fort Madison; seven children, Marvin Helling of Fort Madison, Steve Helling of Davenport, Mark (Julie) Helling of Kansas City, Mo., Darrel (Patrick Bell) Helling of Overland Park, Kan., Margaret (Paul) Cooper of Montrose, Patrick (Mike Rasso) Helling of Moline, Ill. and Marilyn (Brian) Dingus of Danville; 11 grandchildren, Derek Helling, Brett Helling, Ryan Cooper, Dustin Helling, Addison Houston, Tanner Kruse, Aubrey Helling, Trenton Kruse, Teagan Kruse, Blain Dingus and Cami Rasso; two step grandchildren, Airanna Rasso and Bella Rasso; one great granddaughter on the way, Lyla Houston; two sisters, Luanne (Jim) Pruett and Laura Hyatt of Fort Madison.
She was preceded in death by her parents; one step grandson, Michael Miller; and four siblings, Wendell, Martin, Justin Jacobsmeier and Lorene Ellerhoff.
A visitation will be held from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Monday, Jan. 29, at King-Lynk Funeral Home & Crematory. At 6 p.m., Rev. Dean Graber will say a few words.
The funeral mass will be held at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 30, at Sacred Heart Church, with Rev. Gary Beckman officiating. Burial will be held at Gethsemane Cemetery.
Memorials have been established for: Southeast Iowa Regional Hospice, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital or Holy Trinity Catholic Schools.
Online condolences to the Helling family may be left at the King-Lynk Funeral Home & Crematory website: www.kinglynk.com.