Helen Herrick

HELEN HERRICK Independence Helen A. (Diers) Herrick, 83, a resident of Stonehill Care Center, Dubuque, formerly of Independence, died Feb. 9, 2015, at Stonehill. Helen was born Oct. 28, 1931, at Colesburg, Iowa, to William and Rose (Pottebaum) Diers. She graduated from Colesburg High School and Mercy Hospital School of Nursing, Cedar Rapids. She married Robert Herrick of Independence on Jan. 3, 1953, at St Patrick Catholic Church in Colesburg. He preceded her in death April 9, 2010. Together they farmed northeast of Independence and raised six children. Helen stayed at home when her family was young and returned to registered nursing in later years at the former Peoples Memorial Hospital and its extended care facility, the former Independence Care Center and the Mental Health Institute. She was a longtime member of the Buchanan County Board of Health. She was a faithful member of St. John Catholic Church and its Altar and Rosary Society. She is survived by her children, Roger Herrick of Cedar Rapids, Mary (Ron) Radloff of Dyersville, Dr. Michael (Mary) Herrick of Oshkosh, Wis., Judy (Matt) Haven of Cedarburg, Wis., Dr. Patrick (Liz) Herrick of Olathe, Kan., and Anne (Dave) Tallett of Cedar Rapids; 13 grandchildren; her first great-grandchild expected in July; her brother, Charles Diers of San Ramon, Calif.; and her sister, Mary (Curt) Smith of Mount Vernon. In addition to her husband, Helen was preceded in death by her daughter, Jeri Ann at birth on Dec. 28, 1953; her sister, Theresa Tikal; and her brother, Vincent Diers. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. Friday, Feb. 13, at St. John's Catholic Church in Independence. The Rev. Donald Plamondon will be the celebrant. Burial will be in St. John's Cemetery in Independence. Friends may call for visitation from 3 until 8 p.m. Thursday at the White Funeral Home in Independence, where a parish rosary begins at 3 p.m. and a vigil service begins at 7 p.m. Online condolences may be left at www.White-MtHome.com.