Carol Helgens

Carol Helgens

Cedar Rapids

Carol Helgens age 85, died peacefully, Thursday, August 21, 2025, at Cottage Grove Place, Cedar Rapids.

Funeral services will be held 11:00 Wednesday morning, August 27, 2025, at the Wayne Zion Lutheran Church, rural Monticello with interment in the Wayne Zion Cemetery. Pastor Phil Jorgensen will officiate at the services. Friends may call after 9:30 on Wednesday at the church.

Surviving are, 2 sons Jason (Laura) and their sons, Connor Lane and Parker, Cedar Falls, Kory (Katie) and their daughters, Khloe and Klaire. She was preceded by her parents, her husband Harlan in 2020 and in-laws, Lorna and Ray Rieniets.

Carol Lee Sammons was born in Chicago, Illinois on January 15, 1940, the daughter of Frederick and Vacal Sammons. She graduated from the Roald Amundsen High School in Chicago. She completed her education at Coe College in Cedar Rapids. Carol started teaching 2nd grade in Cedar Rapids. She married Harlan Helgens on June 13, 1964, at the Wayne Zion Lutheran church. The couple farmed in Wayne Township and Carol taught 2nd grade in the Monticello schools. She developed a reading program and taught that K thru 12. In 1977 she stopped teaching daily and worked as a substitute teacher for the Monticello schools. She taught for a total of 32 years.

Carol always enjoyed reading, watching Jeopardy and nature shows. She like to watch birds and was a member of the Audubon Society. She enjoyed playing Bridge for many years and always was ready to play a game with the grandchildren.