Memorial

Helen Rose Christophersen, 91 of Cedar Rapids, Iowa passed away on Sunday, September 27, 2020 at Northbrook Manor Care Center in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Private family funeral services will be on Saturday, October 3rd at The Cedar Memorial Park Chapel of Memories.  Interment will follow at Cedar Memorial Park Cemetery. A live stream for this service can be viewed at: https://client.tribucast.com/tcid/13208475 at 10:00 AM on Saturday, October 3, 2020.

As mandated by proclamation, social distancing must be practiced. The use of facemasks or shields is required.

Helen was born on January 31, 1929 in Cedar Rapids, Iowa the daughter of Vaclav and Mary (Novak) Skalicky.  She graduated in 1947 from Wilson High School.  Helen married Donald Christophersen on April 25, 1948 in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.  She was employed at Merchants National Bank as a bookkeeper from 1978 until she retired in 1991.  

Helen was a 60-year member of the First Christian Church where she served as a deaconess, and financial secretary for 20 years.  She was also a member of the following groups: Witwer Senior Center Writing Class, 50 year member of WFLA Lodge 262, member of Explorers Club of CNB, The Czech Heritage Foundation, United Commercial Travel (UCT), Blue Bird Leader, and an Assistant Cub Scout Leader.  Helen volunteered for five years and was a longtime member at The National Czech and Slovak Museum & Library.

Helen enjoyed sewing, knitting, and gardening, even if it was in pots. She enjoyed her three trips to Europe and travelling to Hawaii and Alaska. Helen loved her Lord, children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great grandchildren.  She will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved her.

Helen is survived and lovingly remembered by her two children, Linda (Jackson) DeFrees of Marion, IA; Mark Christophersen of Belle Plaine, IA; seven grandchildren, Brian (Cherie) Ridenour; Jennifer (Roger) Jansen; Ariel (Philip) Stout, Kirsten (Lucas) Kalina, Austin Christophersen, Paige and Grace Christophersen; five great-grandchildren (with one on the way); five great-great grandchildren; former daughter-in-law, Theresa Christophersen; and many loving nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Donald Christophersen; and three siblings, Jan (Jack) Skalicky, Georgina Groth and Mary (Kit) Carson.  

In lieu of flowers memorials may be directed to The National Czech and Slovak Museum & Library.