Helwig, Willa C. 1912-2011

HELWIG, DATISMAN, BEIMFOHR

Posted By: Connie Ellis (email)
Date: 8/25/2011 at 21:55:28

SOURCE: Monona, Iowa MONONA OUTLOOK, June 9, 2011
Contributor: Connie Ellis (Not related)

A memorial service for Willa C. Helwig, age 98, of Monona, Iowa was held at the Leonard Funeral Home in Monona on June 8. Interment was in the Giard Cemetery in Giard, Iowa.

Willa Cunygunda Helwig, daughter of August and Clara (Datisman) Helwig, was born October 8, 1912 on the family farm near Froelich, Iowa. The farm was first settled by her Grandfather Conrad Helwig in 1849. She attended the Froelich rural school, Giard Township District #5. She graduated from the Monona High School in 1930 and from Iowa State College in Ames, Iowa in 1935 with a BS degree in Home Economics. From 1936-1937 and 1942-1953, she was a missionary teacher at Annville Institute in Annville, Kentucky. She also taught at Webb High School and Orient High School in Iowa.

In 1953 Willa returned to Monona, Iowa and became involved with many community activities. She was the leader of the Jolly Workers 4-H Club, a member of the Monona Library Board, the Monona Women's Club and Northern Clayton County Garden Club where she held local, district and state offices, being president of the Federated Garden Clubs of Iowa in 1975-1977. She was a National accredited flower show judge and Landscape Design Critic of National Council of State Garden Clubs.

As a member of the Garden City United Methodist Church and United Methodist Women, she served in many capacities, one being church historian for many years. In 1968, the Monona Historical Society was organized and she became its first president. Later she was the curator of the Elizabeth Smith Monona Historical Society Museum, a position she held for over 30 years. With her generous monetary gift, an addition, "The Willa Helwig History Center" was built in 2006. She enjoyed crafts, gardening, and any activity that was for the betterment of the community. She wrote a weekly column for the Monona Billboard called, "Historical Highlights".

In December of 2004, Willa made her home at the Good Samaritan Center in Postville, Iowa. She donated her piano and played for daily devotions. She enjoyed participating in the activities held at the Center.

Willa Cunygunda Helwig died May 31, 2011 at the Good Samaritan Center in Postville, Iowa. She was preceded in death by her parents and a sister, Marian Beimfohr (Melvin).

Clayton Obituaries maintained by Sharyl Ferrall.
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