Helene Janet Wilson
April 13, 1944 — November 17, 2025
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Service Details
Helene Janet Wilson, 81, passed away November 17, 2025, at UnityPoint Iowa Methodist.
Helene was born April 13, 1944, in Fort Dodge, Iowa to George and Helen (Martin) Tookey. She graduated from St. Edmund’s Catholic School in 1962. In September of 1963, Helene married Robert Wilson. Throughout her life she had various jobs. Helene worked at Wesley Adult Day Center for several years. At age 60, she graduated Summa Cum Laude from Upper Iowa University.
She was not just an avid, but a passionate Iowa Hawkeye fan. Helene also enjoyed time with her dog Candy and she loved to travel.
Her love for Jesus Christ was evident in the way she lived her life and served others. She was an active member of St. Anthony Catholic Church. Helene also served at St. Vincent de Paul. She loved many and was loved by many. Helene lived by a simple code of values; Live simply, laugh often, love much, most of all Love!
She was preceded in death by her parents, George Tookey and Helen Holmberg; her beloved husband of 51 years, Robert Wilson Sr.; sister, Georgia Wicklund and her husband Richard; and her brother, Vince Tookey and his wife, Marlys.
Helene is survived by her children, Robert Wilson Jr., Trisha (Mo) Turnis; and Vince (Deb) Wilson; grandchildren, Jacob (Dasha Kuzenetsova) Wilson, Nicole (Adam Canty) Wilson, Jonathon (Taylor) Shelabarger and Becca Turnis; great-grandchildren, Jaxton Canty, James Shelabarger and Benjamin Wilson; sisters, Carol (Les Lundquist) Tookey and Leah Tookey; many nieces and nephews; and a host of extended family and dear friends.
Visitation will be held Monday, December 1, 2025, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. with the Rosary prayed at 7:00 p.m. at St. Anthony Catholic Church, 15 Indianola Road in Des Moines. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, December 2nd at the church. Helene will be laid to rest at Sunset Memorial Gardens Cemetery at a later date. The service will be livestreamed from the Hamilton’s website for those unable to attend in person.
Memorial contributions may be directed to St. Anthony Catholic Church or St. Vincent de Paul in loving memory of Helene.
Condolences may be expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.
Margaret Beener
11/21/2025
So sorry for your loss, may she rest in peace. Thoughts and prayers for her family. She will be missed by many.
Missy Himrich
11/21/2025
Helene (Sam as I was first introduced to her) took care of my father-in-law at Wesley Acres Adult Day Center for several years (that's when I first met her). We realized we both attended St. Anthony Church. We attended several CHRP's together. Ironically, on the day my father-in-law passed, we were on CRHP...she drove me to tell my husband. She was a faith-filled and strong woman and I am very blessed to have known her. Rest easy, sweet Sam.