Memorial
Helen Carol Freeman, 90, of Cedar Rapids, Iowa passed away on Monday, December 30, 2024, at Methwick Community. Visitation will be held 2:00 to 5:00 pm on Sunday, January 5, 2025, at the Cedar Memorial Chapel Stateroom. Funeral services will be at 10:30 am on Monday, January 6, 2025, at Cedar Memorial Chapel of Memories. Burial to follow at Cedar Memorial Park Cemetery.
Helen was born June 30, 1934, in Cedar Rapids. Her parents were John George and Ruth Alta (Webster) Waline. She graduated from Roosevelt High School in 1952, where she was the 1st chair violinist in the high school orchestra. This is where she met her high school sweetheart, Marshall (Skip). Marshall and Helen were married Jan 19, 1954, and spent two months together at the Fort Knox Army base, before he was sent to Korea.
They bought their farm in 1965, near Luzerne. At one time they had a flock of 300 sheep. The beautiful rolling hills and timber were a great place for a family to live. Helen managed the day-to-day operations of the sheep farm, while raising her growing family of four children.
She enjoyed sewing and providing fresh produce for her family. Helen was very active in the Blairstown American Legion Auxiliary holding positions of president and treasurer, as well as, many other positions, including, 3rd district president and Benton County president. She volunteered at the Marshalltown Veteran’s Home providing activities and companionship to the veterans. She basically kept busy with “all things” auxiliary such as food for weddings, craft shows and junior auxiliary membership.
She attended the Blairstown Calvary United Methodist church while out on the farm, then Cedar Hills Community Church after moving to Cedar Rapids.
Survivors include, a daughter, Linda (Dale) Strong of Blairstown, IA; a son, John (Julie) of Cedar Rapids, IA; daughters, Ellen (Kirk) Goettsch of Omaha, NE; and Nancy (Brad) Novotny of Newhall, IA; 15 grandchildren, 15 great grandchildren and 5 great-great grandchildren, a brother Roger Waline; plus, many nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by parents John and Ruth Waline, husband Marshall, sister Dorothy McDougall and brother John David (in infancy).
Memorial donations received will help maintain the Veterans Memorial and the Blairstown Legion Auxiliary.