Helscher, Mary Kathryn 'Kay'

Mary Kathryn “Kay” Helscher, 90, of Iowa City, formerly of Keota, died Sunday, Oct. 16, 2011, at the Washington County Hospital.

Kay was born Jan. 9, 1921, in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, to Charles and Roslyn (Steinke) Ball. Her family moved to San Antonio, Texas, in 1923 and she graduated from high school there in 1938. Kay then graduated from Coe College in Cedar Rapids in 1943 and taught music in Keota for one year. On Dec. 18, 1943, she married John Robert Helscher in Keota. The couple made their home in Keota, and Kay taught elementary music at Eddyville from 1965 until 1975. She was a member of Wesley United Methodist Church and Chapter CM P.E.O. Kay enjoyed many summers swimming and kayaking with her family at the family property on Ten Mile Lake in Minnesota. She also enjoyed her winter home in Mission, Texas.

Survivors include three sons, Karl F. “Rick” (Judy) Helscher of Puyallup, Wash., Charles (Dawn) Helscher of Keota, and Stephen (Barbara) Helscher of Columbus Junction; six grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband and two sisters.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, Oct. 19, at Powell Funeral Home in Keota, with the Rev. Dennis Hopes officiating. Burial will be at Keota Cemetery. Visitation will be from 4:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home.

A memorial fund has been established for the United Church of Faith, Ten Mile Lake Association or the Keota Community School Foundation.

Powell Funeral Home and Cremation Service in Keota is caring for Kay and her family.

Condolences may be emailed at under obituaries.

Published in The Gazette Oct. 18, 2011.