Vaske, Helen C.

Helen C. Vaske, 91, of Edgewood, died Wednesday, Dec. 26, 2012, at St. Luke's Hospital in Cedar Rapids.

Helen was born Dec. 21, 1921, in Greeley, Iowa, the daughter of Bernard “Ben” and Margaret (Klosterman) Funke. She was raised and attended school in Greeley. On May 27, 1941, Helen was united in marriage to Paul W. Vaske at St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Greeley. Seven children were born to this union. They farmed west of Greeley for 40 years until they moved to town in November 1980. After living in Greeley, Helen moved to Yankee Settlement in Edgewood for a couple of years. She recently resided at Lincolnwood Assisted Living in Edgewood.

Helen was a past member of St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Greeley. She loved to play cards and quilt. Her grandchildren and great-grandchildren were her most prized possession.

Survivors include five children, Jerry (Terri) Vaske of Tama, Verna Turnis of DeWitt, Janice (Dennis) Knipper of Greeley, Donna (Mike) Steffen of Earlville and Duane (Melanie) Vaske of Pella; daughter-in-law, Verna Vaske of Plano, Texas; 19 grandchildren; 31 great-grandchildren; and three sisters, Charolette Mensen of Manchester, Esther Lechtenberg of Edgewood and Margie Reinert of Edgewood.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Paul; two sons, Elmer in infancy and Ambrose Vaske; one son-in-law, Bill Turnis; three brothers, Ralph, Art and Ed Funke; and one sister, Irene Mensen.

Online condolences may be sent to www.leonard-mullerfh.com.

Mass of Resurrection: 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 29, at St. Mark's Catholic Church, Edgewood. Visitation: 3 to 7 p.m. Friday at Leonard-Muller Funeral Home in Edgewood and after 9:30 a.m. Saturday at the church. Interment: St. Joseph's Catholic Cemetery, Greeley.

Published Dec. 28, 2012 in The Gazette