Helen C. Kahl

Helen Clara Kahl, one of six children of Martha (Hoeck) and Fred Dittman, was born at her parent's farm near Emerson, Nebraska on May 14, 1916. Helen grew up in Emerson and attended country school through the eight grade. Following school, Helen continued to live and work with her parents on the farm. While visiting relatives in Mineola, Iowa, Helen met William Albert Kahl. Helen and Bill were married at St. John Lutheran Church in Mineola on June 30, 1934. They made their home farming in Mills County, Iowa. Their marriage was blessed with seven children, Harvey, Betty, Elaine, William, Janna, Linda, and Susan. Helen enjoyed the farm and her role as homemaker. She cared for the chickens, milked the cows, and was an avid cook and baker.
In 1968, Bill and Helen moved to Malvern, Iowa. Helen worked as a nurse's aid and cook at the Nishna Cottage Care Center. Helen thought of the care center residents as a second family. Helen and Bill had been married 53 years when Bill died on October 10, 1987.
Helen continued to live at home and later worked making donuts at Casey's General Store; starting her work day at 4:00 A.M each morning.
Helen enjoyed sewing and crafts. She was a tremendous baker whose homemade rye bread was enjoyed by many. She liked all flowers, especially daisies, and loved to spend time with her grandchildren.
Helen died at her home on January 6, 2005 at the age of 88 years, 7 months, and 22 days. She was preceded in death by her parents; three brothers, one sister, her husband, and five grandchildren.
Helen is survived by her sons, Harvey Kahl of Cullmann, AL and William Kahl and his wife Delores of Crescent, IA; daughters, Betty Williams of Little Rock, AR, Elaine Knight, Janna Brammer, and Linda Michael all of Council Bluffs, IA, and Susan Sands and her husband Mike of Kansas City, MO; 18 grandchildren; 32 great grandchildren; 3 great great grandchildren; sister, Gladys Rohde of Allen NE; sisters-in-law, Dorothy Kahl of Council Bluffs and Arzetta Dittman of Emerson, NE; nieces and nephews; other relatives and friends.