Memorial
Helen Mae Persson of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, passed into eternal peace on Sunday, February 22, 2026, at the age of 103. A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, February 26, 2026, at the Cedar Memorial Park Chapel of Memories. Visitation will be held from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. at the chapel prior to the service. Burial will follow at Cedar Memorial Park Cemetery.
Helen was born on June 15, 1922, in Lamont, Iowa, to Theodore Frederick and Jessie Oulman. She was the oldest of six siblings and assumed the role of mother to her family at the young age of 12 following the death of her own mother. Helen married Ernest Persson on Valentine’s Day in 1940. They shared 49 years of marriage together until his passing in 1989.
Family was always Helen’s top priority, followed closely by her love of fishing on the Mississippi River—or anywhere she could drop a worm on a hook into the water. Helen lived an active and engaged life. She participated in several social and service organizations, including P3 Retirees, Lutheran Businesswomen, and the Red Cross, and was a devoted member of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church. As a 13-year resident of Cottage Grove, Helen enjoyed participating in activities and outings. At the remarkable age of 95, she was still enthusiastically calling bingo.
Helen is survived by her sister, Virginia Westover of Michigan; her three daughters, Jane (David) Griffey, Lois (Ronald) Henderson, and Kathyrn Schreiner. She is also survived by three grandchildren, James, Robin, and Shane; seven great-grandchildren, Carly, Alexis, Sydney, Madyson, Jade, River, and Athen; and five great-great-grandchildren, Isaiah, Everly, Titus, Blakely, and Brett.
Helen was preceded in death by her husband, Ernest; her grandson, Brett; and four siblings, Mary, Vera, Bessie, and Theodore Jr.
In memory of Helen, the family kindly requests that memorial donations be directed to Hospice of Mercy or Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in lieu of flowers.