Helen Rose Rekow

Dec. 16, 1926 – June 11, 2024

Helen Rose Rekow, 97, passed away peacefully on June 11 in Sandpoint, Idaho. She was born in Graettinger, Iowa, on Dec. 16, 1926, to Roy and Marie Gilbaugh.

After graduating from Graettinger High School, Helen worked as a switchboard operator for the phone company in Charles City and Cedar Rapids, Iowa. She moved to Washington state, where she met her husband, Lloyd. They were married in St. James Cathedral in 1961.

While living in downtown Seattle, she enjoyed working as a legal secretary until her retirement. She never forgot her shorthand skills. She also enjoyed traveling by train and planes. She enjoyed spending time with her many nieces and nephews in Iowa and Washington.

Helen lived and loved her Faith. She made many friends through North American Martyrs parish and enjoyed her visits with Father Caleb Insco. She knitted and donated many scarves, hats, and sweaters for the homeless, in addition to sponsoring and writing to children in third world countries.

For the past month, Helen was staying in Sandpoint, Idaho. She enjoyed daily visits with family. Special visitors included her great-great-great-niece and nephew. She will be greatly missed.

Survived by nieces: Vicki (Roger) Clemons of Waterloo, IA, Julie (Mike) Sherraden of Sandpoint, ID, Diane (Duane) White of Waverly, IA, Barb Gleason (Tim Stone) of Cedar Falls, IA; nephews: Larry Gleason (Valerie Williams) of Ames, IA, Ned Gleason of Charles City, IA, Bill (Debbie) Leuschen of Lacey, WA, Paul (Rita) Leuschen of Wilsall, MT, and Tom (Donna) Leuschen of Twisp, WA. She was blessed with many great nieces and nephews; and her dear friend, Frances Feng.

Helen was preceded in death by her parents; sisters Penny, Lucille, Margaret; and brothers Harold, Russell, and Lawrence; nephew Steve Gleason; and her husband Lloyd Rekow in 2011.

Bonney Watson Funeral Home handled the arrangements. A Rosary Service for Helen Rekow was held on Saturday, June 22, 2024, at North American Martyrs Catholic Church, 9924 232nd St. SW, Edmonds, WA, followed by a Funeral Mass. Burial followed at Calvary Catholic Cemetery in Seattle, Washington.