Helen E. Sudbeck 1932 - 2009

SUDBECK, MCGUIRK, MCGOWEN

Posted By: Connie Swearingen (email)
Date: 5/10/2020 at 00:02:06

Sioux City Journal
25 January 2009

SIOUX CITY -- Helen E. Sudbeck, 76, of Sioux City passed away Friday, Jan. 23, 2009, at Sunrise Retirement Community from complications with Alzheimer's disease.

A funeral mass will be 10 a.m. Monday at Cathedral of the Epiphany Catholic Church, with Fathers William J. Vit Jr. and John McGuirk as co-celebrants. Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery, Sioux City. Visitation will be 4 to 8 p.m. today, with the family present 5 to 8 p.m., a rosary service at 5 p.m., and a vigil service at 7 p.m., at Meyer Brothers Colonial Chapel, 3220 Stone Park Blvd.

Helen was born March 20, 1932, in Laurel, Neb., to James and Rose (McGuirk) McGowen. She grew up in Hartington, Neb., and graduated from high school there. She was married on Aug. 6, 1951, and moved to Sioux City, where she spent the remainder of her life. She had four children, a son, Michael and three daughters, Marcia, Marlene and Margo.

Helen worked as a computer operator/programmer at St. Vincent's Hospital before working in the same capacity at Sherman Produce. Helen also worked for the Diocese of Sioux City in the accounting department.

She was an avid walker and loved walking around Bacon Creek Park with her dog, Salis. She enjoyed sewing, crocheting and the challenge of a good hard puzzle. Helen was an excellent cook and if you wanted one of her "recipes," you had to follow her around with a paper and pencil and take notes. The special bibs she made are keeping the little ones clean and her afghans are keeping the adults nice and warm. She had a quick wit and a wonderful sense of humor.

She was a member of Cathedral of the Epiphany Catholic Church and a former member of Immaculate Conception Church. Helen was one great lady and will be missed by all who knew her.

Helen is survived by her daughters, Marcia Packard of Sioux City, Marlene Bauer of Mesa, Ariz., and Margo Utesch and her husband, Jeff of Moville, Iowa; sisters, Mary Margaret Sudbeck and her husband, Duane of Sioux City, Catherine Uhrich and her husband, Larry of Rio Rancho, N.M., Sr. Bernadette McGowen of Morton, Minn., and Sr. Jane McGowen of Yankton, S.D.; grandchildren, Nichole Packard, Aaron Bauer, Curt Schnee, Adam Bauer, Abby Kibler, Chad Utesch and Gavin Utesch; and seven great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents; an infant brother, Alphonse; infant sisters, Frances and Monica Rose; her infant son, Michael; and her uncle, Pat McGuirk.

The family wishes to express their appreciation to the staff of Sunrise Retirement Community, Sunlight Unit, for all their care and compassion.