PLEGGENKUHLE, Helen Marie (Campbell) 1934-2016

PLEGGENKUHLE, CAMPBELL, ROEHRICH

Posted By: K.L. Kittleson
Date: 10/9/2016 at 14:49:05

Obituary for Helen Pleggenkuhle

Helen Marie Pleggenkuhle, 82 of Cresco, Iowa passed away on Friday, October 7, 2016 at the Patty Elwood Center in Cresco.

Helen was born February 23, 1934, in New Hampton, Iowa to Elmer and Mary Roehrich Campbell. She was fourth of five children. Helen graduated from the New Hampton High School in 1952. Her father worked for the Chicago Great Western Railroad. Helen enjoyed telling stories to her kids of living just a block from the railroad track. She often talked of how fun it was when her dad would take them on a train ride to Kasson, Minnesota, to visit relatives. She also talked of how hobos traveled on the train back then and when they got off in New Hampton they walked the track. Being their place was so close it became one of their stops and their mom would give the hobos something to eat.

Helen married Karsten Knutson in May 31, 1952, at the Little Brown Church in Nashua. She was a dedicated mother and hard worker on the farm they lived on outside of Jerico while raising six girls. Having three youngest in diapers at the same time with no running water in the house was quite the hard work in comparison to today's standards. She moved into New Hampton following divorce and later moved to Cresco. She married Carl Pleggenkuhle and two more children were born, making a total of 8 completed her family. She and Carl were involved in the American Legion and she was an active and proud member of the Legion Auxillary. Later after she was divorced, she worked for the local Regional Health Services as a Homemaker Health Aide for over 10 years. She was truly proud of this work helping others in need meeting and making special friendships.

Helen filled many peoples lives with her incredible gift of singing and dancing. Helen is famously known for yodeling her favorite song, "The Cattle Call."

Helen received the Governor's Volunteer Award from First Lady Mari Cluber. She was nominated from Northland Agency on Aging for countless hours of service at the Cresco mealsite.

She is survived by her daughters: Becky (Tom) Lewis; Vickie (Arlyn) Grube; Barb Roche; SueAnn (Alan) Ferrie, LuAnn (Brad) Linderbaum, Sharon (Greg) Deters, Terri Becker; son: Kirk (Melanie) Pleggenkuhle; one sister: Gloria Hauser; seventeen grandchildren; fifteen great grandchildren; several nieces and nephews; great nieces and nephews and several friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents; two brothers Elsworth (Bud) Campbell, and James Campbell, and a sister Viola (Sis) Katz.

Source: Lindstrom Funeral Home website, 9 OCT 2016