Helen Stillian, 86, formerly of Atlantic and Avoca, Iowa, died Tuesday, August 24, 2021 at the Good Shepherd Healthcare Center in Mason City, Iowa.
Helen was born at her aunt and uncle Louis and Eva Eisterhold’s home near Wiota, Iowa, on November 27, 1934, the daughter of John Gabriel and Marie Lenora (Lamberty) Showers. She grew up on a farm and helped raise her siblings in addition to helping with farm work. Helen graduated from Oakland High School in 1953.
Following graduation, she moved to Atlantic and was married, blessed with two children, Sandy and Charlie. In the years to follow she also lived in Avoca and Omaha, working as grocery store cashier, waitress, bartender, and clerical assistant. Helen returned to Atlantic in 2007 and worked at West Central Development.
Helen was a member of SS Peter and Paul Catholic Church. She volunteered countless hours helping with various activities and also looked forward to getting together with the women’s group to make quilts. She was committed to her faith, routinely praying the rosary. In addition to the church, she also volunteered her time at the Senior Citizens Center and with the Cass County Democrats.
She was always busy doing activities like tending her flower and vegetable gardens, crafting, puzzling, playing cards or BINGO, and sewing. The sight of fresh flowers brought Helen such joy that she always had a vase in her room at the care center. Fishing was something she loved from a young age and she later enjoyed taking her children and grandchildren to fish with her. Helen also enjoyed travelling. A few of her favorite trips were to Alaska, Canada, Yellowstone National Park, Vatican City and Germany. She had a spunky and social butterfly personality. She was without fail up for a good laugh often giving others a hard time in jest. Helen loved writing letters and was diligent about keeping contact with family and friends through letters, phone calls, and visits.
Helen’s family will remember her as a hard worker who always provided for her family and took care of the things that came along with that. This was a huge undertaking due to her meager salaries so she worked extremely long hours to provide for herself and her family. She liked to cook and was proud of her chili, deviled eggs, cinnamon rolls and holiday candies. Helen loved to share her goodies with others and it was said her peanut clusters and buckeyes were some of the best. Her heart was full when her grandchildren were around, always appreciating their company and help. Helen often rewarded them with one of her tasty treats or gifts from her stash of BINGO prize winnings.
Helen is survived by her daughter Sandy (Brian) Opstvedt, son Charlie (Stephanie) Stillian, grandchildren Shawn (Kim) Opstvedt, Josie Stillian, Chanon Opstvedt, Candace (Philip) Mundt, Hanna Stillian, step grandchildren Annette Helle, Cynthia Helle, and fifteen great grandchildren. She is also survived by her brother Lester (Linda) Showers, and sisters Maxine Prochnow, Marge Showers, Jean (Tim) Knapp, Judy Stender, sister-in-laws Dorothy Showers, Margot Showers, Yvonne Nucaro, brother-in-law Clarence Polkingharn, and many nieces and nephews.
She is preceded in death by her parents, brothers Leo and Dennis Showers, and one infant sibling.
Open visitation will be from 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., Friday, September 3, 2021, at Roland Funeral Home.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m., Saturday, September 4th at SS Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Atlantic. Burial will be in the SS Peter and Paul Catholic Cemetery in Atlantic. Visitation with the family present will be held prior to the service at the church, beginning at 9:30 a.m.
The family is requesting face coverings be worn and social distancing be observed.
The family requests memorials be directed to the Alzheimer’s Association.
Roland Funeral Service is caring for Helen’s family and her arrangements.
