Memorial
Vernon Helgens, 98, continued his journey Thursday, May 7th, surrounded by his family. Funeral services will be 3:30pm Saturday, May 9th, at Wayne Zion Lutheran Church, rural Monticello. A visitation will be held from 10am until noon Saturday at Cedar Memorial Park Funeral Home in Cedar Rapids and after 2:30pm Saturday at the Wayne Lutheran Church outside of Monticello. Interment will be at Oakwood Cemetery, Monticello.
Surviving one daughter, Suanne (Oley) Allen, son, Robert (Mary Beth) Helgens, both of Cedar Rapids, 6 grandchildren: Emily Allen (Tom Miller), Kristin (Mike) Moore, Brian (Angela) Helgens, Kylie (Derrick) Alger, James Peter Helgens, Paul Vernon Helgens and 4 great grandchildren, Alexis, Justin, Thomas and Josyln Helgens. He was preceded in death by his parents, a son, James Gordon, a brother, Edwin (Eloise) Helgens and sister, Marietta Helgens.
Vernon was born November 22, 1916, in Scotch Grove, Iowa. He was the son of George and Anna Herren Helgens. He married Mary Louise Yount October 17th, 1941.
Vern was interested in learning, creating, inventing, history and investing. He especially enjoyed visiting about the history of the surrounding area and each family’s heritage. He loved working in his shop and sharing the creations. Mary Louise and Vern often had a song to sing whether alone or with friends. Vernon farmed, worked with ASC Jones County Conservation, was a home builder, and began his career in the automobile business in 1937. He was long affiliated with Wayne Hall Chrysler.
His true passion was in the love of the Lord. Vernon was baptized, raised and confirmed at Wayne Zion Lutheran Church. He raised his family in the First Presbyterian Church of Monticello where he served as elder and Sunday school director.
Memorials may be made to Wayne Zion or First Presbyterian Church for scholarship funds.