Joanna Helmer 1841-1932

HELMER, WILKERSON, HANNA, NEWENDS

Posted By: Sharon Elijah (email)
Date: 1/17/2017 at 09:44:31

31 March 1932 - The Tipton Advertiser

Joanna M. Wilkerson Helmer, pioneer resident of Cedar county, was born in Maryland, July 29, 1841, and passed away at St. Luke's hospital in Cedar Rapids, Ia., March 28, 1932, at the age of ninety years, seven months and thirty days. After living for a time in Central county, Pennsylvania, her father's family moved to Cedar county, Iowa, in 1867. Mrs. Helmer had been a resident of Cedar county for 65 years.

She was married to John Helmer in 1869. They established their farm home in South Bethel community and later moved to a farm between Tipton and Bennett. The family home was moved to Tipton in 1904. Mr. Helmer passed away Aug. 4, 1911.

In spite of serious affliction Mrs. Helmer had enjoyed quite remarkable health for many years. On November 7th last she was taken sick and had a period of almost four months ill health, being very seriously ill for several weeks. She seemed, however, to have in large part recovered from this illness and was about the home again, cheerful and full of interest in everyone. Ten days ago she had a fall and after that grew weaker, suffering very greatly. She was taken to St. Luke's hospital that Sunday morning. She continued to fail very rapidly Monday afternoon and about 4:30 passed quietly away.

Mrs. Helmer is survived by one sister, Mrs. Ellen Newends of Cedar Rapids, now the only one left of a family of eight children. Mrs. Helmer is also survived by two children, William Helmer of Bennett, and Mrs. Hanna of Cedar Rapids; and by two grandchildren Wm. Hanna and John Hanna of Cedar Rapids, and by nine nieces and five nephews and many other relatives.

Mrs. Helmer was dearly beloved and was very friendly to everyone and will be very greatly missed in the community. Of cheerful disposition, during these later weeks of her sickness she sang many old hymns, the great old hymns of victorious faith and love. The span of Mrs. Helmer's years covers many changes in the nation, and in the community. Even in her advanced years she was active about the home and in her garden, making friends with young and old.

The funeral services were held at the home in Tipton at 2:00 o'clock Wednesday afternoon with Rev. Moore, pastor of the Bennett Methodist church, in charge. Mrs. Helmer had been for many years a member of the Bennett church and years ago sang in the choir. Interment was in the Masonic cemetery west of Tipton.