Helen Jane Gleeson 1917-2010

GLEESON JAMES KLINGER

Posted By: Connie Swearingen (email)
Date: 2/18/2011 at 13:25:16

Sioux City Journal
30 December 2010

SIOUX CITY -- Helen Jane Klinger Gleeson died peacefully on Christmas Day, 2010, after a short illness.

Memorial services will be 11 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 8, 2011, at the First Presbyterian Church in Sioux City. Arrangements are under the direction of Meyer Brothers Colonial Chapel.

Helen Jane Klinger Gleeson was born to William A. and Ada (James) Klinger, on Dec. 15, 1917.

Helen Jane was an outstanding community leader who devoted her time and resources to many important programs and institutions. She will be remembered for her devotion to family generosity to her community, and leadership for women's issues, the environment, and education.

Helen Jane believed strongly that young women should have the opportunity to thrive and receive a solid education. Girls Inc. of Sioux City was especially close to her heart. She was on the board of directors of Girls Inc., Elizabeth Day Care, the Boys and Girls Home, and the Council on Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence.

She believed strongly in the importance of giving time, leadership, and resources to the community. She was the first woman to serve as chair of the United Way of Siouxland, and served two terms as chair of that board. Her work with United Way included being on the long-range planning commission for United Way of America.

She was one of the first women to serve on the Sioux City School Board. She also served on the board of Briar Cliff University, and Morningside College, and was a founding member of the Iowa State Board of Humanities. She served on the Board of Governors of the Iowa State University Foundation, and volunteered in the Sioux City Public Schools for 15 years.

Helen Jane was passionate about environmental quality. She was appointed by Governor Robert Ray to the Air Quality Commission of the Iowa Department of Environmental Quality and served on that commission for seven years. Her dedication to conservation led to board memberships at the Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation, and the Iowa Chapter of the Nature Conservancy. She was a leader in the preservation of Iowa native lands, including the Broken Kettle Grasslands.

Her good works, dedication, and personal commitment to civic, women's, and environmental organizations resulted in many awards and recognitions. She earned an honorary doctorate of humane letters from Morningside College. Briar Cliff College awarded her with both the Community Service Award and the Medal of Honor. She was also recognized for service by the Junior League, the Sertoma Club, River-Cade, Tax Research Council, Junior Achievement, the Boys and Girls Club, and Girls, Inc.

Fiercely devoted to family and community, Helen Jane was a cherished mother and grandmother, and a shining example of how to care for one's community.

She is survived by her four children, Barbara Johns (Richard Hesik) of Seattle, Wash., Robert (and Jane) of Milwaukee, Wis., John (and Karen) of Sioux City, and Jane of Minneapolis; grandchildren, Hillary, Amy, Ben, Elizabeth, Megan, Rob, Madeline, and Alex; and five great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 57 years, Robert E. Gleeson.

The family asks that no flowers be sent. Memorials may be made to Girls Inc. of Sioux City.