Mersihda J. Helkehna (1954-2021

HELKEHNA

Posted By: Ken Wright (email)
Date: 10/21/2021 at 11:02:42

Obituary
It is with great sadness that the family wishes to announce that our beloved mother, grandmother, great grandmother, sister, aunt and friend, Mersihda “Mercy” Jim Helkena, after a brief battle with cancer ---went to meet her Lord with her family by her side on September of this year, 2021, at the age of 67 years.

She will be lovingly remembered by her husband and long-time friend, Elson, of 46 years; their children: Brenda, Elden “Ted”, Elna, Ruth-Shina and Krystal-Emma; twenty-six grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her three brothers: Ken, Jimmy, Ohner and four sisters: Masako, Martha, Meriele all of FSM and Lucy of Kansas, Missouri, USA. She will also be dearly missed by her families and friends in the Marshall Islands, Pohnpei, Mokil and here in Dubuque, Iowa; and other States across USA.

We only wish that much if Mercy’s life had not been lost to her illness, that things could have been different for her and for us, while we know that she is at peace, and that her struggles are at an end, there is pain and sadness; but even though she is gone she has left a legacy of her love and perseverance, and that legacy will live on, in us all.
The family also wishes to extend a special thanks to the Marshallese religious community in Dubuque Iowa, other Mokilese and Pohnapean and relatives and friends who traveled from other States as far as Missouri, Maryla and Texas ----and from families at homes for their care and compassion.

Last but not least, the family wish to extend a special thanks to the staff at the Crescent Community Health Center, Grand River Medical Group, the Hospice of Dubuque in east Dubuque most especially Kristin and Amber,Hoffmann Schneider Kitchen Funeral Home for their excellent services. Our utmost komol tata to the Pastor of the Full Gospel Church and congregation here in Dubuque for allowing the family to utilize the church premises throughout the funeral services.
Thank you, Kalangen and Komol Tata.