Mary Magdalene (Conrad) Helsel, 1841-1923

CONRAD, HELSEL, SCHEYLI, CAMPBELL

Posted By: Volunteer-Betty Hootman
Date: 4/22/2012 at 11:33:38

Mary Magdalene, daughter of Peter and Margaret Conrad, was born in Frankfort Germany, July 23, 1841, her mother dying when she was a mere infant, leaving her upon life’s billows without the tender care of a mother.

At the age of seven, she and her father, together with other relatives came to America settling in Philadelphia. At an early age she chose to be self supporting and worked in this city for a few years, later coming father west to Columbus, Ohio. It was here that she met Titus Helsel, whom she later married Jan. 23, 1863. This union was blessed with nine children, four of them and her husband preceding her in death. Those left to mourn the loss of a mother are her sons Charles of San Francisco, Calif.; Harry of Bloomfield and Frank of Donnellson, Iowa; two daughters Mrs. J. F. Scheyli and Nettie Helsel of Milton; also fourteen grandchildren and six great grandchildren. She was converted into the Lutheran faith at an early age, but after moving to Iowa, attended the Presbyterian church as there was no church of her faith near her home.

She has been making her home this winter with her son Frank of Donnellson, at which place she passed away at 3 p.m. Saturday, Jan 20, at the age of 82 years, 5 months and 27 days.

Short services were held at the home there and the remains were then brought to Milton for interment.

The funeral services were held at the Presbyterian church in Milton, Jan. 22, at 2:00 p.m. Rev. Lanoue conducted the services, reading her favorite chapter John 14 for his scripture reading, and using for his text “Things that Abide”. Her favorite song, “Jesus Lover of My Soul’ was beautifully sung by Mr. Lanoue and his family.

Her six older grandsons, Ray and Jay Campbell, William and Paul Scheyli and Len and Grant Helsel acted as pallbearers. The remains were lad to rest in the Oak Point cemetery by the side of her husband.

She was a kind and loving mother and a good neighbor, always willing to help where help was needed. She will not only be missed by her relatives but by a host of friends as well.

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Card of Thanks

We wish to express our sincere thanks and appreciation to our friends who kindly assisted us during our sad bereavement and also for the beautiful floral offerings.

The children and grandchildren.

Source: Van Buren Co. Genealogical Society Obituary Scrapbook A, page 361, Keosauqua Public Library; Keosauqua, IA