Helen M. Schaedlich, age 98, passed away November 30, 2021. She was born to Carl and Mary (Toman) Creveling on a farm near Ellston, Iowa.
Both parents passed away unexpectedly; her mother in 1929, her father in 1933, leaving five children ranging in ages seven to eighteen. Helen was nine. Family members, living in the community, opened their homes to the four youngest children. Helen lived with her grandmother.
After graduating from high school, Helen decided to pursue the teaching profession, knowing the financial responsibility would be hers alone and this endeavor, letter by letter, she accomplished.
Her teaching years began in a rural school near Ellston, then on to Slater, Iowa, Lingle, Wyoming and finally to Des Moines, Iowa at Greenwood and Monroe Schools.
Soon after arriving in Wyoming, she was introduced to her future husband, William L. Schaedlich originally from the Amana Colonies in Iowa. They were united in marriage December 21, 1947, in Mitchell, Nebraska. Then daughter Paula Sue was born in Fort Morgan, Colorado on November 3, 1949.
Helen leaves to cherish her memory her granddaughter, Julia Allison Ruess, her son-in-law, Richard R. Ruess, nieces, nephews and dear friends.
Preceding her in death is her beloved husband William in 1958, daughter Paula Sue in 2015, and four brothers - Elvyn, Lawrence, Marion and Kenneth.
A Celebration of Life funeral service will be held Saturday, April 23rd at 10:30am at Our Saviour Lutheran Church, 4003 Second Avenue, Des Moines, Iowa. Family will greet friends 1 hour prior to service. Burial will follow service at Chapel Hill Cemetery, Merle Hay Road. Memorials may be directed to Our Saviour Lutheran Church.
