Helen Cunningham

Helen G. Cunningham of Winterset passed away peacefully on December 28, 2025. She had celebrated 95 birthdays.

According to her older sister Marie, it was a really hot day when Helen came into the world on July 27, 1930, at the home of her parents Winnie and George Karaidos in Des Moines, Iowa.

Helen grew up in Des Moines and graduated from North High School Class of 1948. She met the love of her life, Joseph Robert (Bob), while ice skating at Birdland Park. They had seven children and moved to a farm near Winterset in 1968. They were married for almost 70 years.

Helen played the violin and piano, and had a great love for and knowledge of popular music - from classics to contemporary. She always had a story or joke to tell, and enjoyed trivia, playing games, reciting poetry, watching Lakers basketball games and spending time with her family and friends.

Helen had the most beautiful smile and positive attitude. She will always be remembered for how much she appreciated a gorgeous sunrise or sunset, or a spectacular moon. She was a kind, caring, resourceful, strong, amazing woman.

Helen was preceded in death by her loving husband Bob, son John and grandson Clint Schossow. She was so loved and will be greatly missed by her children Theresa (Bob) Lee, Anne (Craig) Sedars, Mary (Steve) Scullen, Maureen (Jim) Crane, Janine (Devin) Hill and Renae (Bob) Veiga as well as her 7 grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren.


Memorial contributions may be directed to the American Cancer Society.

Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.caldwellparrish.com