St. Ansgar, Iowa- Funeral services for Helen Eleanor Nelson, 92, of St. Ansgar, were held Wednesday, Oct. 12, 2005 at the Mona Lutheran Church, Mona, Iowa, with Rev. Lydia Mittag officiating.

Burial was in Pleasant Hill Cemetery, Mona. Helen died on Sunday, Oct. 9, 2005 at Mitchell County Regional Health Center, Osage, Iowa.

Helen Eleanor Nelson was born March 4, 1913 in Otranto Township, Mitchell County, Iowa. She was the youngest child of Peter and Mina Otilda (Larson) Nelson. Helen attended Mona School and graduated from Otranto High School in 1931. She attended college in Cedar Falls, Iowa in 1931 and continued her college education for many years. Schools in which she taught included Mona, Otranto, Greg School, Little Cedar and St. Ansgar. She enjoyed her teaching career and especially liked following the lives of her students. Books were her passion. "Poor Creek Memories" was a book written by Helen for family and friends.

Helen was baptized and confirmed at Mona Lutheran Church where she was a faithful member her entire life. She taught Sunday School, served as Sunday School Superintendent and was active in all of the women's activities.

Helen was preceded in death by her parents, two sisters, Violet Haugland and Marian Jahr, and two brothers, Willis and Harlan; one nephew, Almo Jahr and one niece, LaVonne McKay.

Helen is survived by three nieces: Marlys Moore, Eileen Kittleson and Lorna Anderson; one nephew Wayne Nelson; many great nieces and nephews and great, great nieces and nephews.