Helen Maria Kerkove

South English- Helen Maria Kerkove, was born October 27, 1946, in Sigourney, Iowa, the daughter of Kenneth Paul & Freda Helen (Williams) Bowers. She graduated from Sigourney High School and attended the University of Iowa. On April 4, 1970, Helen was united in marriage to Francis Van Kerkove, at the English River Church of the Brethren, together they lived and farmed outside of South English. After her children were older, she worked as a tax preparer for TD&T in Sigourney for 20 years. Helen was a member of the English River Church of the Brethren, where she served as a church deacon, Sunday school teacher, youth group leader, and Dean for Camp Pine Lake, she also served in the district level of her church. She was a former Cub Scout den leader. She enjoyed her flowers, quilting, her I-Pad and wintering in Arizona, but most of all spending time with her grandchildren. Helen died on Monday, June 15, 2015, at Mercy Hospital, Iowa City at the age of 68 years.

She is survived by her husband Francis of South English; two sons: David (Tammy) Kerkove of Adel and Travis (Janelle) Kerkove of Shueyville; five grandchildren: Caleb & Joshua Kerkove and Brianna, Madison & Tanner Kerkove; a sister Mary (Lynn) Dill and nine brothers: James Bowers, Dean Bowers, John (Jerlyn) Bowers, Joe Bowers, Tom Bowers, Roger Bowers, Rodney Bowers, Michael (Michele) Bowers and Donnie Bowers. She was preceded by her parents and a granddaughter Hannah Lynne Kerkove.

Celebration of Life Memorial Service will be held 11:00 AM on Saturday, June 20, 2015, at the English River Church of the Brethren, rural South English. Burial will be in the Church Cemetery. Visitation will be on Saturday from 9:30 AM until service time. Memorials may be given to the English River Church of the Brethren or the Nigerian Relief Fund for Persecuted Brethren. Messages and tributes may be left at www.powellfuneralhomes.com