Helen Arends, 91, of Wellsburg, Iowa died Tuesday, February 17, 2015 at her daughter's home in New Smyrna Beach, Florida. Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, February 24, 2015 at the Wellsburg Reformed Church in Wellsburg, with Pastor Mark Andersen officiating. Burial will follow at the Wellsburg Reformed Church Cemetery in Wellsburg. A visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Monday, February 23, 2015 at the Doyen-Abels Funeral Home in Wellsburg.
Augusta Helen Geerdes daughter of Henry and Alberdena (Neessen) Geerdes was born September 20, 1923 in Grundy Center, Iowa. She received her education in Wellsburg and graduated from Wellsburg High School. After her graduation, she attended business school in Denver, Colorado. On November 23, 1944, she married Arnold Dale Arends at the Wellsburg Reformed Church in Wellsburg, Iowa. They resided in Wellsburg and were married for over 64 years. Helen worked for several years as a bookkeeper for Pottgetter Elevator in Wellsburg. Following her husband's retirement, the couple enjoyed playing golf, traveling and a fast game of cards. Helen loved to read books, complete crossword puzzles and enjoyed making baked goods, which she loved to give away to friends and family. She also enjoyed watching both Iowa and Iowa State football and basketball games. Helen was very active in the women's guild at her church.
Survivors include her daughter, Dee (Tom) McCormick of New Smyrna Beach, Florida; son, Ron (Karen) Arends of Cedar Falls, Iowa; two grandchildren, Dan Arends of Davenport, Iowa and Amanda Arends of Portland, Oregon.
Helen was preceded in death by her husband, Arnold Arends; her parents; and her four brothers, Arthur, Clarence, Henry, and George Geerdes.