McCAFFERY, Helen 1923-2009

MCCAFFERY, NEESSEN, JOHNSON

Posted By: Tammy (email)
Date: 11/3/2019 at 04:50:28

Helen J. McCaffery, age 86, died Thursday, February 5, 2009 at Friendship Village Health Center in Waterloo.

She was born January 2, 1923 in Wellsburg, Iowa, the daughter of Heiko and Norma (Johnson) Neessen. After graduating from Wellsburg High School, she moved to Waterloo where she worked at the Wonder Bread Bakery. Helen was united in marriage with Neil T. McCaffery on January 2, 1942 in Waterloo.

Helen worked in the men's department at the JC Penney Store in Waterloo for 23 years, retiring in 1980. She was a member of St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church in Waterloo. Helen enjoyed spending time with her family and grandchildren. In earlier years, she and Neil loved to dance at the Electric Park Ballroom, where they first met. She also enjoyed reading, playing cards and she loved to shop.

Survivors include her husband, Neil of Waterloo; a son, Neil McCaffery, Jr. of Waterloo; two daughters, Cheryl (Richard) Jensen of Waverly, IA and Nancy (James) Probst of Green River, WY; 4 grandchildren; 10 great grandchildren; and a sister, Joyce Hicks of Michigan.

She was preceded in death by her parents; 2 brothers, Larry and Don Neessen; and 2 sisters, Carol Neessen and LaVerne Johnson.

Family directed memorial services will be held at 11:30 a.m. Monday, February 9, 2009 at the Friendship Village Chapel in Waterloo. The family will greet friends after 10:30 a.m. Monday at the Chapel. In accordance with her wishes, Helen's body has been donated to the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN for scientific research. The Kearns, Huisman-Schumacher Chapel in Waterloo is in charge of the arrangements.

Memorials may be directed to St. Andrews Presbyterian Church, 1926 Sager Ave., Waterloo, IA 50701 or Iowa Special Olympics, PO Box 620, Grimes, IA 50111.

--Kearns Funeral Service (www.kearnsfuneralservice.com)