Helen T. Barske

BARSKE POWELL ALDRICH GALLUP DOWNING MEEKS LOWE

Posted By: diane (email)
Date: 12/2/2021 at 18:49:09

Helen T. Barske, 78, of Independence, IA, died on Tuesday November 10, 2020 at Unity Point Health – St. Luke’s Hospital in Cedar Rapids, IA.

Helen was born on January 17, 1942 in Brooklyn, IA the daughter of Bernard W. and Bernadette F. (Powell) Aldrich. In 1946 her family made their home on a farm in rural Brandon, IA. She graduated from St. John’s High School in 1959 and went on to work at Collins Radio in Cedar Rapids, IA. While working there she met the love of her life Jerry L. Barske. They were married on May 20, 1961 at St. John’s Catholic Church in Independence. For a short time, they made their home in Marion, IA before moving to Independence, IA in 1968. Helen started working at Geater Manufacturing in Independence, IA in 1969. She worked there for thirty-three years before retiring in 2002. Helen enjoyed staying active and was a member of the Independence bowling league and the Wapsipinicon Golf Club for many years. She was an avid card player and played with the same card group for over forty-five years. She also enjoyed her trips to the casinos; Helen and Jerry took a trip to Las Vegas and more recently Laughlin, NV almost every year. Spending time with her family at holiday gatherings held a special place in her heart. Watching her children and grandchildren grow into the people they are today is what she the most thankful of in life.

Helen is survived by a daughter Terri (Junior) Gallup, Independence, IA, two sons; Jerry Barske, Jr., Cedar Rapids, IA, and Douglas (Margie) Barske, Independence, IA. Nine grandchildren, Colin, Austin, Lucas and Connor Pint, Joshua and Keeley Barske, and D. Michael, Megan, and Mitchel Barske, two step grandchildren, Michael and Mitchel Gallup, five great grandchildren, six step-great grandchildren, two brothers George (Susan Noe) Aldrich, Brandon, IA, and Bill (Sandi) Aldrich, Brandon, IA, a sister Joyce (Joe Gerier) Downing, Cedar Rapids, IA, a sister-in-law, Sharon Meeks, Prattville, AL, and many nieces and nephews.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Bernard and Bernadette Aldrich, her husband Jerry Barske, and a sister Mary Lowe.

A private Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. John’s Catholic Church in Independence, IA
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