Tompkins, Helen E.

Helen E. Tompkins, 90, of Marengo, died Saturday, Oct. 26, 2013, at Colonial Manor of Amana following an extended illness. Private graveside services will be Tuesday, Oct. 29, with the Rev. Diane Miller officiating. There will be no visitation. Kloster Funeral Home, Marengo, is in charge of arrangements.

Helen requested no flowers; memorials may be contributed to First Presbyterian Church, Marengo.

Helen is survived by her children: a son, Martin D. Tompkins of Cedar Rapids and special friend Karen Viseck; and a daughter, Maeleen V. Thorius and husband Jerry of Amana; four grandchildren, Doug Tompkins (Karen) of Wichita, Kan., Deborah Tompkins of Cedar Rapids, Lara Marsh (Andrew) of Iowa City and John Thorius (Kathleen) of Indianapolis, Ind.; and six great-grandchildren, Zachary Tompkins, Peter Tompkins, Alexandra Marsh, Rachel Marsh, Michael Monroe and Mae Thorius.

She was preceded in death by her parents; a brother, Van; a sister, Marcia; a grandson, Michael Tompkins; a daughter-in-law, Judy Tompkins; and a brother-in-law, Richard Tompkins. Her husband of 66 years, Raymond, died March 11, 2007.

Helen Elouise McConnell was born Feb. 6, 1923, in Elston, Iowa, the daughter of Hale and Lena Mae Edge McConnell. She was baptized and confirmed in the Christian Church in Van Wert, Iowa. She attended Van Wert schools, where she played basketball as a forward. Her stories of playing basketball on outside courts in Iowa winters delighted her children and grandchildren. Helen married Raymond M. Tompkins on Feb. 13, 1941 in Bethany, Mo. During World War II, Helen operated a small cafe in Van Wert, along with her mother and sister. Her husband was captured at the Battle of Wake Island and held prisoner by the Japanese for three years, nine months. During that time Helen did not know of his survival until later in the war when a ham radio operator heard his name listed as a prisoner and notified Helen by post card. On the day World War II ended, Helen and her sister and mother closed the cafe. She laughingly said, she never wanted to “fry another chicken.” She often said she never gave up hope for Ray's return and that resiliency of spirit characterized her life. When Ray returned, they dedicated their lives to their children, family, and church.

Helen was a member of First Presbyterian Church and the Marengo American Legion Auxiliary. For many years she attended meetings of the American Ex-Prisoner of War.

Helen enjoyed quilting and needlework, donating many of her works to church bazaars. She enjoyed golf, traveling, and was an avid gardener, ‘canner,' and cook.

Helen's life was devoted to the love of her life, Raymond, and to her children and grandchildren. She was fiercely loyal and a strong woman of faith.

The family would like to express their gratitude to the staff of Meadowview Memory Care in Cedar Rapids, Colonial Manor Nursing Home, Amana, and Essence of Life Hospice for their tender and loving care of Helen.

Online condolences may be extended to the family at www.klosterfuneralhome.com.

Published Oct. 28, 2013 in The Gazette