FRENCH, Helen (Stearns) 1914-2010

FRENCH, TUPPER, STEARNS

Posted By: County Coordinator
Date: 8/29/2010 at 20:22:15

Helen (Stearns) French 1914-2010

OSAGE, IOWA - Helen (Stearns) French, 96, of Osage passed away Saturday, August 28, 2010, at the Stacyville Community Nursing Home, where she had lived for the past six years.

She has donated her body to the University of Iowa Anatomical Department.

Memorial services will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, September 3, at the United Church of Christ in Osage with Pastor Ruth Moerdyk officiating. There will be a gathering from 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday at Champion-Bucheit Funeral Home in Osage.

Helen was born April 25, 1914, in the family home on Pleasant Street in Osage. She was the third of five children born to Fred and Zadie (Tupper) Stearns.

Helen's grandfather was one of the original campers at Spring Park and helped build the spring. This was the beginning of the Tupper-Stearns family's love of Spring Park, where Helen loved camping during the summers of 1920-25. The family left for the park before Memorial Day and returned to their home in time for school in the fall. She shared her love of Spring Park with her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Walking to the park "the back way" and having breakfast is a continuing family tradition.

The day after she graduated from Osage High School, Helen began working at the abstract office and law offices of Hearst Duncan, a job she had for 10 years. Helen and Claire French were married August 30, 1941, in Sturgis, South Dakota, and later moved to Denver, Colorado, where he was stationed with the Army.

They had two children, Nancy and Sally. She was involved in many organizations and volunteered her time and talents often: P.E.O. Sisterhood, Women's Fellowship at the Congregational Church, Republican Central Committee, Brownies and Girl Scouts, sewing club, Music Club and the Red Cross. Helen's family, 533 State and the community of Osage were her life. Her caring and support touched many people, whether it was hosting gatherings at her home, caring for those who were sick or extending a loving hand. Her support never ended.

Survivors include her two daughters, Nancy (Jerry) Danforth of Cedar Rapids and Sally (Bob) Miller of Osage; her five grandchildren, Jeff (Truscee) Danforth, Chad (Janet) Danforth, Robyn (Dave) Keele, Joe (Brenda) Miller and Jaci (Dan) Donlan; nine great-granchildren, her nieces, Jeanie (Lars) Larson and Anne Stearns Tanner; her nephew, Rick (Linda) Stearns; her two sisters-in-law, Mary Helen French of Osage, Joan Limke of Urbandale.

Information available and condolences accepted at www.champion-bucheitfuneralhome.com .

Champion-Bucheit Funeral Home in charge of arrangements, 641-732-3706.

[ Mason City Globe Gazette online, August 29, 2010 ]