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Jo Ann Helland
Jo Ann Helland
Cedar Rapids
Jo Ann Helland, 90, of Cedar Rapids, passed away peacefully on Saturday, June 21, 2025, at the Dennis and Donna Oldorf Hospice House of Mercy. The funeral service for Jo will be held on Thursday, July 3, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Paul’s United Methodist Church in Cedar Rapids. Visitation will be at the Church from 9:00 to 10:45 a.m. A luncheon will follow the service at St. Paul.
Jo was born July 26, 1934, in Tama, IA. She married Chester (Chet) Helland on December 22, 1956, in Waterloo, IA. Jo and Chet happily celebrated their 40th wedding anniversary in Hawaii, which was their trip of a lifetime. Their favorite thing to do together was dancing. With great joy, they learned ballroom dancing. They were naturals and enjoyed dancing for many years, alongside many wonderful friends.
Jo worked for 30+ years at Seltec Sales Corporation, Hiawatha, IA, eventually retiring in her early 80's. Jo was a devoted volunteer at St. Paul’s for many years, serving on several committees. An avid lover of music, she was a longtime member of the church choir and loved singing for Christmas and Easter services and Sunday services. Jo volunteered at Mercy Hospital in the Oncology unit and Johnson Elementary School reading to children. She was a long-time member of her local P.E.O. Chapter. In her free time, she enjoyed the companionship of her close friends, watching The Bachelor, Dancing With The Stars and was a super fan of Iowa Hawkeye Women’s Basketball (she didn't care how loud she cheered!).
Jo was preceded in death by her parents, Rex B. Asper and Thelma J. (Hoadley) Asper, and by her beloved husband of 49 years, Chet.
Jo will be greatly missed by her children, Tana (Bob) Needham, Tom (Shelly) Helland, and Sara (Mike) Blessing; her grandchildren, Dr. Tom (Chelsie) Needham, Kami (Emeka) Mordi, Kelsey Needham, Erik (Jenny) Helland, Andrew (Mary) Helland and Hanna Blessing; her great-grandchildren, Uju Mordi, June Needham, Ugo Mordi and Sutton Helland; and her brother, Ray (Lesley) Asper.
Jo’s family would like to thank the caregivers, staff and volunteers at Hospice of Mercy for their loving care and concern.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Hospice of Mercy or St Paul’s United Methodist Church.
Online condolences are welcome at www.cedarmemorial.com under obituaries.
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