Helen Mae Johnson, 94

Helen Mae Johnson, 94, died at the Midwest Covenant Home, Stromsburg, Neb., Sept. 30, 2012.

Helen Mae was born to Emil and Effie (Nelson) Carlson on Jan. 3, 1918, at home in Essex. She attended school at Essex and graduated in 1935. She received her Normal training and was certified in 1936. She married George LeRoy Johnson March 21, 1941, at the parsonage of the Essex Covenant Church. To this union three children were born: Bob, Jim and Pat.

She was a beloved wife, mother, grand-mother and great-grandmother. Helen is remembered as a teacher in the country schools in north Page County. While her husband served on a destroyer escort during World War II, she worked in Atlantic City at the YWCA where she made many life-long friends.

She was active in First Covenant Church of Red Oak, serving on the music committee as choir director for 20 years, working with Christian education in many areas, and Covenant Women. She not only served as Iowa CW President but served on the National Board of CW. She was active in Legion Auxiliary and Emerson Women’s Club in Emerson. She was an Avon representative for 20+ years. She enjoyed reading, working crossword puzzles, playing piano and making many crafts.

Helen Mae was preceded in death by her parents, husband and two brothers, Max and Bernice.  

Survivors include a son, Robert (Jodi) of Stromsburg, Neb.; a son, James (Karen) of Broomfield, Colo.; a daughter, Patricia (Tom) Trautman of Plymouth, Minn.; eight grandkids; nine great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews and other relatives and friends.

A celebration of life service will be 10:30 a.m. Monday, Oct. 29, 2012 at First Covenant Church, Red Oak. Interment will be at the Evergreen Cemetery in Red Oak. Memorials preferred to First Covenant Church, Red Oak.

Nelson-Boylan-LeRette Funeral Chapel is in charge of arrangements.