Helen Neumann

Helen Emelia Neumann was born January 17, 1922, the daughter of Arthur and Alice Rath Popken. She passed away Saturday, August 10, 2013, at the Eventide Lutheran Home in Denison, Iowa, at the age of 91.
Helen was born in Denison, Iowa. She was baptized April 9, 1922, and confirmed April 5, 1936, by Rev. Frese at Zion Lutheran Church in Denison. Helen received her education in the Denison Community Schools graduating with the class of 1939. After high school Helen worked for three winters in California at a farmer’s market and various places in Crawford County during the summers until taking a job at South Crawford REC as secretary. She was united in marriage to Vernon Neumann on August 25, 1946, at Zion Lutheran Church in Denison by Rev. Schmidt, and to this union was born two children. Helen then went to work at the Montgomery Ward Credit Department before being asked by Earl Christensen to work for him in the Crawford County Auditor’s office, a job she remained at for 30 years, until reaching the age of 78 when she retired.
Helen was a life-long member of Zion Lutheran Church. She was active in Evening Guild, Dorcas, and the Fellowship Club, and served as Sunday school superintendent for nearly 30 years. Christmas was Helen’s favorite holiday as she enjoyed getting the children’s Christmas sacks ready at church and hosting Christmas dinners for her family. Helen loved to socialize with family, friends and her card club. She was the Rubik’s Cube family champion as she could out think any family member. When Helen watched TV, she tuned into Wheel of Fortune, The Lawrence Welk Show, The Lutheran Hour, or Billy Graham.
Helen was preceded in death by her parents; her husband Vernon in 2000; one son, Terry in infancy; son-in-law, Clark Martens; great-grandson, Timothy Todd Martens; and one sister, Maxine Holmes and her husband, Howard. Survivors include one daughter, Connie Crawford and her husband Terry of Denison; three grandsons: Cary Martens and his wife, Kelly of Eau Claire, Wisconsin; Todd Martens and his wife, Candace of Deloit, Iowa; and Eric Martens and his wife, Terri of Denison, Iowa; four step-grandsons: James Crawford of West Des Moines; Patrick Crawford of Columbia, Missouri; David Crawford and Andrew Crawford, both of Denison; seven great-grandchildren; Jessica Quintana, Amanda Martens, Alexis Martens, Allison Martens, Christian Martens, and Clayton Martens; one great-great grandson, Austin Quintana; one step great-granddaughter, Katie Hatleli; and one sister, Lorraine Schmidt and her husband, Pete of Costa Mesa, California; other relatives and friends.