Helen Louise Plein

Helen L. Plein, 80, of Waukon, IA, died Monday, March 21, 2016, at Veterans Memorial Hospital in Waukon. Funeral services will be held Wednesday, March 23rd, at 11:00 AM at St. Patrick Catholic Church in Waukon, with Rev. Msgr. Cletus Hawes, Fr. Donald Hawes, and Deacon Mike Ward officiating. Burial will be at Mt. Olivet Cemetery, Waukon. Visitation will be from 9:30 AM until the time of services Wednesday at the church. Martin Funeral Home in Waukon is handling arrangements.

Helen Louise Plein was born February 18, 1936, in Nashua, IA, the daughter of Bae and Louise (Bemer) Van Note. She grew up in the Winthrop, IA, area and graduated from Lamont High School in 1954. Helen graduated from St. Luke's School of Nursing in Cedar Rapids, IA, in 1956. In 1974 she married Francis "Frank" Plein. Helen worked as a Licensed Practical Nurse at Veterans Memorial Hospital and Northgate Care Center both in Waukon for many years. She was a member of St. Patrick Catholic Church. Helen enjoyed babysitting, cooking, baking, crocheting, and spending time with family and friends. She was an avid Chicago Cubs fan.

Survivors include two children: Robert Plein and Katherine Plein both of Waukon, IA; nine step-children: Luann (Mike) Kane of Janesville, WI, Connie Schneden and Sheila (Mark) Pladsen both of Waukon, IA, Mark (Sherry) Plein and Julie Berney both of Independence, IA, Mary (Patrick) Murphy of Ijamsville, MD, Bill Plein of Columbus Junction, IA, Tom (Tami) Plein of Burlington, IA, and Margaret Palmer of Lake Havasu City, AZ; 17 grandchildren; and 15 great grandchildren; three brothers: Lee (Liz) Van Note of Templeton, CA, Wayne (Vernelda) Van Note of Clinton, IA, and Dean (Marvel) Van Note Aurora, IA; and one sister Ruth (Bob) Humes of Cedar Rapids, IA; and many nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her parents; her husband Francis "Frank" who died in 2002; two brothers: George Van Note and Everett Van Note; and two step-sons: Patrick Plein and Michael Plein.