Helen Kerkove

HELEN KERKOVE

South English

Helen Maria Kerkove died Monday, June 15, 2015, at Mercy Iowa City at the age of 68 years.

Helen was born Oct. 27, 1946, in Sigourney, Iowa, the daughter of Kenneth Paul and Freda Helen (Williams) Bowers. She graduated from Sigourney High School and attended the University of Iowa. On April 4, 1970, Helen was united in marriage to Francis Van Kerkove at English River Church of the Brethren. Together they lived and farmed outside of South English. After her children were older, she worked as a tax preparer for TD&T in Sigourney for 20 years.

Helen was a member of English River Church of the Brethren, where she served as a church deacon, Sunday school teacher, youth group leader and dean for Camp Pine Lake. She also served at the district level of her church. She was a former Cub Scout den leader. She enjoyed her flowers, quilting, her i Pad, wintering in Arizona, but most of all, spending time with her grandchildren.

She is survived by her husband, Francis, of South English; two sons, David (Tammy) Kerkove of Adel and Travis (Janelle) Kerkove of Shueyville; five grandchildren, Caleb and Joshua Kerkove and Brianna, Madison and Tanner Kerkove; a sister, Mary (Lynn) Dill; and nine brothers, James Bowers, Dean Bowers, John (Jerlyn) Bowers, Joe Bowers, Tom Bowers, Roger Bowers, Rodney Bowers, Michael (Michele) Bowers and Donnie Bowers.

She was preceded by her parents and a granddaughter, Hannah Lynne Kerkove.

Celebration of Life memorial service will be 11 a.m. Saturday, June 20, at English River Church of the Brethren, rural South English. Burial will be in the church cemetery. Visitation will be Saturday from 9:30 a.m. until service time.

Memorials may be given to English River Church of the Brethren or the Nigerian Relief Fund for Persecuted Brethren.

Messages and tributes may be left at www.powell funeralhomes.com.