Helen Hawkins

Helen Hawkins, age 97, of Garnavillo, IA, died Friday, April 29, 2016, at the Elkader Care Center. She was born on November 27, 1918 in Osterdock, the daughter of Louis and Caroline (Brase) Troester. Helen received her education from the country school in rural Guttenberg. On November 7, 1942, Helen was united in marriage with Delbert James Hawkins at St. Peter Lutheran Church in Garnavillo. Helen and Delbert lived in various areas in Clayton County until 1953 where they settled in the Buck Creek area outside of Garnavillo. They farmed there until early 1975 when the moved into Garnavillo, becoming caretakers at the Tuecke-Allyn Funeral Home. Helen raised a big garden and berry patches which she preserved and provided for the family. Helen was a faithful servant to St. Peter Church doing various duties, such as Sunday School Leader & Teacher, Vacation Bible School, Ruth Circle, Quilting with ladies and any other duties the church could benefit from. Helen was a member of the American Legion Auxiliary and helped at meal site before residing at Tower Living Center in Garnavillo. Helen enjoyed playing cards, doing handy work, embroidering and crocheting and always had blue (chocolate chip) cookies for her grandchildren and others. Helen is survived by her three children, Jim (JoAnn) Hawkins of Dyersville, Keith (Karilyn) Hawkins of Nevada and Kay (Walter) Walz of Elkader; grandchildren, Jody (Wendy) Hawkins, Jackie Hawkins, Julie (Todd) Jackson, Daniel (Joy) Hawkins, Tami (Chris) Ritter, Tim (Wendy) Walz and Jeremy (Becky) Walz; great grandchildren, Lindsey, Kelly, Ashley, John, Justin, Kaylee, Nicole, Johordan, Dawson, Owen, Lucas, Alex, Andre, Ashley and Allison; one brother, Kenneth (Elaine) Troester of Waterloo and many other relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband Delbert; three brothers, Raymond, Orville and Delbert Troester; two sisters, Florence Schroeder and Ilo Thoma. Service Information Visitation Friday May 6, 2016 9:00 AM to 10:00 AM St. Peter Lutheran Church 301 N Adams Garnavillo, IA 52049 Memorial Service Friday May 6, 2016 10:00 AM St. Peter Lutheran Church 301 N Adams Garnavillo, IA 52049 Inurnment Garnavillo Community Cemetery 501 West Centre Steet Garnavillo, IA 52049