Helen F. Donohoe

Helen F. Donohoe, age 82, of Parnell, passed away Friday, March 10, 2023 at the English Valley Care Center, North English. Memorial service: 10:30 a.m., Wednesday, March 15, 2023, at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, North English, with Father David Wilkening officiating. Family will receive family and friends from 4 to 7 p.m., Tuesday, March 14, 2023, at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, North English, with a Rosary recited at 4:00 p.m. Inurnment with be in the St. Joseph’s Cemetery, Parnell. A memorial fund has been established. Kloster Funeral Home, Marengo is assisting the family with arrangements.

Helen is survived by her children, Timothy (Karen) Donohoe, Chicago, IL, Kimberly (Mark) Roberts, Williamsburg, Joseph Donohoe, Parnell and Matthew (Jodi) Donohoe, Parnell; six grandchildren, Lucas Shepherd, Logan Shepherd, Colton (Sadie) Donohoe, Kiley Donohoe, Thomas Donohoe and Wyatt Donohoe; a sister Patsy Peiffer; four sisters-in-law, Ann Lester, Kaye Ahlberg, Marilyn Johnson and Mary Ann Donohoe, and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband Mervin Donohoe in 2019, her parents, two sisters, Maxine Escher, and Blanche Dermody, and several extended family members.

Helen O’Rourke was born June 18, 1940, in Iowa City, the daughter of Thomas and Margaret (Giblin) O’Rourke. She graduated from Parnell Consolidated in 1958, and continued her education at Ottumwa Heights, receiving a secretarial degree. Helen was employed at Collins Radio for five years, and later worked at Peterson’s Drug Store in Williamsburg and North English for 26 ½ years. Helen married Mervin Donohoe on September 12, 1964 at the St. Joseph’s Catholic Church. Helen was a long time member of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church and the Altar and Rosary. She enjoyed doing crafts, going bowling and being part of a bowling league. Helen was also a member of the Red Hats Social Club. Helen loved her dogs, as well as all animals. Above all else, Helen especially loved her family and spending time with them.