Vernon Helgens

VERNON HELGENS

Cedar Rapids

Vernon Helgens, 98, continued his journey Thursday, May 7, 2015, surrounded by his family. Funeral services will be 3:30 p.m. Saturday, May 9, at Wayne Zion Lutheran Church, rural Monticello. A visitation will be from 10 a.m. until noon Saturday at Cedar Memorial Park Funeral Home in Cedar Rapids and after 2:30 p.m. Saturday at Wayne Lutheran Church outside of Monticello. Interment will be at Oakwood Cemetery, Monticello.

Surviving are one daughter, Suanne (Oley) Allen, and son, Robert (Mary Beth) Helgens, both of Cedar Rapids; six grandchildren, Emily Allen (Tom Miller), Kristin (Mike) Moore, Brian (Angela) Helgens, Kylie (Derrick) Alger, James Peter Helgens and Paul Vernon Helgens; and four great-grandchildren, Alexis, Justin, Thomas and Josyln Helgens.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a son, James Gordon; a brother, Edwin (Eloise) Helgens; and sister, Marietta Helgens.

Vernon was born Nov. 22, 1916, in Scotch Grove, Iowa, the son of George and Anna Herren Helgens. He married Mary Louise Yount on Oct. 17, 1941.

Vern was interested in learning, creating, inventing, history and investing. He especially enjoyed visiting about the history of the surrounding area and each family's heritage. He loved working in his shop and sharing the creations. Mary Louise and Vern often had a song to sing whether alone or with friends. Vernon farmed, worked with ASC Jones County Conservation, was a homebuilder, and began his career in the automobile business in 1937. He was long affiliated with Wayne Hall Chrysler.

His true passion was in the love of the Lord. Vernon was baptized, raised and confirmed at Wayne Zion Lutheran Church. He raised his family in First Presbyterian Church of Monticello, where he served as elder and Sunday school director.

Memorials may be made to Wayne Zion or First Presbyterian Church for scholarship funds.