Helen Skellenger

Helen Skellenger, 89, of Atlantic, Iowa, died Wednesday, August 28, 2024, at Heritage House in Atlantic. 

Helen Jean was born on December 5, 1934, at home north of Wiota, Iowa, the daughter of Harold N. and Marie LaVerne (Steele) Weaver. As an only child she always felt fortunate to have so much love from them. Her family relocated to a farm south of Wiota. Helen graduated from the Wiota High School in 1952.

Helen married Herman Steffens and was blessed with three children, Linda, Rita and Russell. She was later united in marriage to Max Skellenger on October 19, 1973, and the couple lived on Helen’s homeplace. The pair was always on the go, whether it be traveling the United States coast to coast, often times with family, or to various tractor outings. 

Her love of life on the farm started as a child working alongside her dad and continued into adulthood eventually becoming the primary caretaker. She did all the things “a son” would do to help their dad, in addition to growing a large vegetable garden, tending her flowers, and taking care of the chickens. Helen loved to cook and was well known for her fried chicken, pies and rhubarb rolls along with many other dishes. Helen adored all her animals, but her dog, Sadie and black cat, Baby were her favorites. 

Helen will be remembered for sitting on her porch drinking her coffee and watching the cars drive by early in the morning and in the early evening. She really missed her farm life when she moved to town. She also enjoyed spending time with family and she was a good wife to Max. 

She is survived by her children, Linda Lantz, Rita (Alan) Chesnut and Russell (Gloria) Steffens; grandchildren, Paul Jessen, Craig (Nancy) Lantz, Mindy (Sonny) Scadden, and Stacy (Brett) Johnson; great-grandchildren, Tomma (Josh Copeland) Jessen, Tristin Jessen, Brayden Lantz, Dylan Lantz, Kolby Scadden, Kaden Scadden, Kinsley Johnson, Kambry Johnson and Kyson Johnson; and extended family.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Harold and LaVerne Weaver; husband, Max Skellenger; son-in-law, Gary Lantz; and extended family.

Visitation with the family present will begin at 1:00 p.m., Wednesday, September 4th at Roland Funeral Home in Atlantic followed by a Funeral Service at 2:00 p.m.

Burial will be in the Atlantic Cemetery.

Memorials may be directed to the family for later designation to the Atlantic Animal Shelter and the Western Iowa Homeless and Feral Cat Program.

Roland Funeral Service is caring for Helen's family and her arrangements. Condolences may be left at www.rolandfuneralservice.com.