Helen Joanne (Douglas) Nosbisch

Helen Joanne Nosbisch (Douglas), age 81, of Waterloo, Iowa, passed away on October 23, 2025, surrounded by her loving family.

Born on December 3, 1943, in New Hampton, Iowa, Helen was the daughter of Bernard (Bud) and Gwen Douglas. Helen started school at the age of four, attending a one-room schoolhouse where she was taught by her aunt. The oldest of eight, Helen helped raise her seven siblings while the family lived and worked on various farms in Chickasaw County.

As a teenager, Helen worked at Holly’s, a café in New Hampton, where she met Bill Nosbisch, the love of her life. They married on August 29, 1961, which was a Tuesday, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in New Hampton. Ten months later, she gave birth to their daughter, Kathleen (Kathy). They moved to Waterloo, IA, to begin their life together. Helen and Bill added two sons to the family—Bernard (Bud) and Dean.

As a young married couple, they enjoyed motorcycle trips with their friends in the Sunday Riders, a Harley motorcycle club they belonged to and rode with for years. Trips included Pikes Peak, House on the Rock, and Albuquerque, New Mexico.

Helen worked at Henry’s restaurant, where she was dedicated to the owner, Cap. On numerous occasions when on Sunday adventures, she would be seen behind the counter assisting a Henry’s location during lunch hours, when all the family wanted to do was eat!

The young family spent time working in multiple gardens over the years. One of the gardens was beside her long-time friend Kay’s house. The biggest garden was a half-acre near La Porte City.

Together, Helen and Bill shared nearly two decades of joy, laughter, and partnership before Bill’s unexpected passing on July 5, 1980. Though their time together was far too short, their marriage left a lasting legacy of love and strength.

In her second act, Helen had to learn how to navigate life without Bill, including raising the two boys who were still at home. She was a resilient, vibrant woman with strong opinions and an even stronger Catholic faith. Although she resisted learning about technology, her addiction to photography was legendary. She was on a first-name basis at the Osco photo counter.

When other people were retiring, Helen found her calling working at the daycare at St. Ed’s. Her creativity shone through with the imaginative activities she planned. The kids and families she served cared deeply about Helen. They’d often gift her with Tweety or Yankee-related things to add to her collections.

Helen had a great passion for her Yankees. She kept score alongside the announcers for every game at home in front of her TV. She was happiest when the Yankees were in the World Series (especially if Derek Jeter was playing). Her best Yankees game came when she attended a game in New York for her 70th birthday. She saw her name up on the scoreboard welcoming her to the stadium.

Back in the day, Helen loved spending time at Cadillac Lanes with her Monday night bowling league and was a frequent flyer as a bowling league sub at Maple Lanes. She also enjoyed keeping score for state bowling tournaments. One time, the bowling alley needed a trustworthy person to keep score when the band KISS was performing in Waterloo. They called on Helen for the important job. Later that evening, she met the band without their makeup!

Helen made her favorite people feel special. She was well-known for sending birthday and holiday cards, but her true love shown through for her grandkids by sending cards for every holiday to each child. She also showed her love for her children by baking them a favorite treat. Kathy always got lemon bars, Bud received banana bread or fruitcake, and Dean loved apple crisp. However, she refused to make snickerdoodles because the kids said Dorothy’s snickerdoodles were better.

Helen will be dearly missed and lovingly remembered. She is survived by her children, Kathy (Doug) Nosbisch Ballard, Bud (Liz) Nosbisch, and Dean (Shelly) Nosbisch; grandchildren, Doug (Amber) Ballard Jr, Kaila (Brent)Braymen, Derek (Caroline) Nosbisch, Megan Nosbisch, Travis (Hannah) Nosbisch, and Odin Hood; great-grandchildren, Colton, Corban, Caden, Caleia, Teegan, Shaylee, and Quinn; four sisters. Gloria Parks, Norma Shea, Nancy (Tim) Bathke, and Angela Diesburg; two brothers, Louis (Karen) Douglas and Reuben (Carla) Douglas; one sister-in-law, Brenda Douglas; and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Bud and Gwen Douglas; her husband, Bill Nosbisch; three brothers, Bernard, Dennis, and Duane Douglas; and three brothers-in-law, Donald Parks, Tim Shea, and Gary Piper.

A celebration of Helen’s life will be held on November 1, 2025, at 11:00 am at Parrott and Wood Funeral Home. Family will greet guests at a visitation from 9:30 to 10:30 am. 

 In lieu of flowers, the family kindly asks for donations to be made to St. Jude’s’s Hospital in her honor.