Plotz, Helen Bishop Connor

Helen Bishop Connor Plotz, 94, of Marengo, died Wednesday morning, Aug. 22, 2012, at Rose Haven Nursing Home, Marengo. Funeral Mass: 10 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 25, at St. Patrick's Catholic Church, Marengo, with Father Joseph Roost officiating. Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery, Marengo. Visitation: 5 to 7 p.m. Friday, Aug. 24, at Kloster Funeral Home, Marengo.

Memorials may be contributed to St. Patrick's Altar and Rosary Scholarship Foundation or the Iowa Valley School Foundation.

Helen is survived by her daughter, Joanne Freshour of Cedar Rapids; a daughter-in-law, Mary Connor of Manchester; six grandchildren, Keri Freshour (Jeff Rokicki) and Karla Farrell (John), both of Pottstown, Pa., Matthew Connor and Patrick Connor, both of Manchester, John Connor of Ames, and William Connor of St. Louis, Mo.; three great-grandchildren, Reese Rokicki, Marlee Farrell and Nicholas Farrell; and a sister, Marjorie Ball of Dubuque. Also surviving are four stepchildren, Larry Plotz (Sherry) of Marion, Karen Wesack of Middle Amana, Carol Bradfield of Denver, Iowa, and Marian Consumano (Carl) of Manassas, Va.; along with several stepgrandchildren and great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husbands, Vincent Connor and Lawrence Plotz; a son, John Connor; a stepson-in-law, Steve Wesack; a step-grandson, Chad Wesack; and a stepgreat-grandson, Justin Bradfield.

Helen Katharine Bishop was born Jan. 8, 1918, in Iowa City, Iowa, the daughter of John H. Bishop and Elsie Mae Trimble Bishop. She graduated from Marengo High School in 1935. Helen married Vincent "Pat" Connor on Feb. 8, 1941, at St. Patrick's Rectory. The couple had two children, Joanne and John. He passed away Jan. 20, 1974. She married Lawrence Plotz on Aug. 30, 1974, at St. Michael's Catholic Church, Norway, Iowa. Lawrence died in 2006.

Helen was a telephone operator for Ma Bell during World War II. She worked at Amana Refrigeration and also the Pioneer Republican newspaper. She became editor of the South Benton Star Press and Marengo Publishing and remained in that capacity until her retirement. She also was a photographer and recorded many area weddings.

Helen enjoyed her photography pastime and playing bridge. She especially cherished the time she spent with her family and friends.

Online condolences may be extended to the family at .

Published Aug. 23, 2012 in The Gazette