Karen Helms

KAREN HELMS

Cedar Rapids

Karen Sue Andersen Helms, 75, formerly of Cedar Rapids and Corpus Christi, Texas, passed away Saturday, May 14, 2016, after a short battle with cancer.

Karen was born Nov. 1, 1940, in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, to Eleanor and Martin Andersen. She married Don Helms in March 1957 and had three children: Ron (Roz) Helms of Peoria, Ill., Cyndie (Darren) Dreyer of Kerrville, Texas, and Beth (Mike) Quint of Dallas. Karen spent the majority of her life in Cedar Rapids and enjoyed working for several companies, including Travel & Transport, Raytheon Corporation and Kennedy High School.

After the death of her parents, she moved to Texas with her husband to retire.

Karen was preceded in death by her husband, Don; her parents; and her brother, Jack Andersen.

Surviving her are her children; 10 grandchildren; and her loving brother, David (Laura) Andersen of Cedar Rapids.

As Karen never met a stranger, a memorial celebration of her life will be Friday, July 29, from 4 to 6 p.m. at Guadalupe River RV Resort Bar, 2605 Junction Hwy. 27, Kerrville, TX 78028.

Although she only lived in Kerrville a short time she made good friends there and will celebrate her last happy hour with them.

Additionally, on Sunday, July 31, all are welcome to meet on the beach (mile marker 206) in Corpus Christi for mimosas while her family spreads Karen's ashes at the same location where her beloved mother went before her. Details of the July 29 weekend will be shared on Karen's Caringbridge site.

Memories of Karen may be shared on her Caringbridge site, www.caringbridge.org/visit/karenhelms

or at the website for the funeral home, www.wrightsfuneralparlor.net.

Memorials may be made to Camp Courageous of Iowa or your favorite charity.