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Osmundson, Helen
Helen Osmundson, 92, a lifelong resident of Johnson County, died Monday, Aug. 16, 2010, at Atrium Village in Hills. Helen chose to be cremated. A memorial service will be held Saturday at 10:30 a.m. at Lensing Funeral Service in Iowa City, with Pastor Sam Massey officiating. The family will then greet friends following the service from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Private burial will be in Memory Gardens Cemetery in Iowa City.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Iowa City Hospice, 1025 Wade St., Iowa City, IA 52240; Ding Darling Wildlife Society, Sanibel Island, Fla., or Corkscrew Swamp Audubon Sanctuary, Naples, Fla. Helen was born April 15, 1918, in Johnson County, the daughter of Herbert and Bernice (Hamilton) Ries. Growing up in Tiffin, Helen graduated from high school and later received her bachelor's degree in English literature from the University of Iowa, where she was a member of Phi Beta Phi.
Helen married Robert Osmundson on Dec. 27, 1940, at First Presbyterian Church in Iowa City, where Helen has been a lifelong member. Active in the community while raising her family, Helen was a school volunteer as well as a Girl Scout leader and a Cub Scout den mother.
Helen was involved in PEO JF Chapter, was a member of the Mortar Board Honor Society and a founding member of the Iowa City Shakespeare Club. She enjoyed bird watching, gardening and was an avid bridge player.
Survivors include her brother, H.H. Ries (Mary Carolyn) of San Diego, Calif.; her children, Jon Osmundson of Iowa City, Ruie Chehak of Port Charlotte, Fla., and Julie Taylor (Tim) of Iowa City; daughter-in-law, Tricia Osmundson of Waldport, Ore.; six grandchildren, Molly Chehak (Jeff Stout) of Silver Spring, Md., Tobi Drake (Damond) of Iowa City, Traci Meineke (Chris) of Iowa City, Rob Osmundson (Chrissy) of North Liberty, Hanni Chehak of Berkeley, Calif., and Mike Osmundson of Iowa City; and seven great-grandchildren.
Helen was preceded in death by her parents, her husband and a son, David.
The family wishes to thank Atrium Village in Hills for the care and support provided to Helen.
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