Helen Carroll

HELEN CARROLL

Ryan

Helen Marie Carroll, 95, of Ryan, died Monday, Aug. 17, 2015, at the Good Neighbor Home in Manchester.

She was born on April 26, 1920, to William and Ida (Kramer) Knepper on the family farm outside of Worthington, Iowa. She received her education at St. Paul's Catholic School where she graduated in 1938. On Sept. 30, 1941, Helen was united in marriage to Francis Louis Carroll at St. Paul's Catholic Church, Worthington. She and Francis farmed in the Cascade/Worthington area until 1950. In that year, they moved to the farm south of Ryan on the "old Hennessy place," where they raised their 10 children.

Helen was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. Her life was one of caring and love. She was a phenomenal cook and excellent pie maker. Helen was active in St. Patrick's Church Social Circle, a Bible school helper and volunteer. Her church study groups provided layettes, bandages and other needs to the poor. Gardening and flowers were a summer delight for her. Her farming niche was raising chickens. At one point, those eggs were used to help make the Polio vaccine. At election times, she monitored voting in her township. In her limited free time, she managed to sew, embroider, quilt and cross stitch. Helen loved a good game of cards with Francis, card club friends or any family member who would join her in a hand. Helen never met a child who she did not love to hold and cradle. She thought all children were beautiful and blessed by the Lord.

Survivors include her nine children, Barb (Jerry) Maxwell of Cedar Rapids, Bill (Rosemary) Carroll of Prairieburg, Tom (Carole) Carroll of Dubuque, Jane (Tom) McNinch of St. Paul, Minn., John (Janet) Carroll of Granger, Mary (Jon) Hajek of Cedar Rapids, Marcia (Tim) Cooper of Scottsdale, Ariz., Steve (Becky) Carroll of Marion and Greg (Pam) Carroll of Ryan; 26 grandchildren; 36 great-grandchildren, with another on the way; surviving siblings, George (Alma) Knepper, Ida (John) Trumm, Joan (John) Anstoestter and Mike (Jean) Knepper; sisters-in-law, Ann Wolfe and Gladys Knepper; and many nieces and nephews.

Helen was preceded in death by her parents; husband of 70 years, Francis; a son, Paul; a grandson, Peter; and six siblings, Loras, Paul, Rosalyn, Walt, Irene and Carl.

Online condolences may be sent through www.leonard-mullerfh.com.

Mass of Christian Burial: 10:30 a.m. Friday, Aug. 21, at St. Patrick's Catholic Church, Ryan, with the Rev. Joseph Schneider officiating. Visitation: 3 to 8 p.m. Thursday at Leonard-Muller Funeral Home, Manchester, where there will be a 3 p.m. Scripture service. Interment: Calvary Cemetery, Ryan.