Helen Claussen

Helen E. Claussen, 73, of Ankeny, Iowa, passed away on Tuesday, September 27, 2022 at UnityPoint Health – Iowa Methodist Medical Center. A native of Marshalltown, Iowa, she was a vibrant, caring, and generous woman who grew a vast family throughout her life. Her loving and kindhearted nature will never be forgotten.

As per the wishes of Helen and her family, cremation rites have been accorded and a memorial service will be held on Saturday, October 1 at 10:30 A.M. at the Mitchell Family Funeral Home in Marshalltown, IA. She will be laid to rest at Riverside Cemetery in Marshalltown following the service. Memorial contributions in Helen’s name may be directed to the Marshalltown Public Library. For additional questions or online condolences, please visit www.mitchellfh.com. Ph 641-844-1234.

For those unable to attend, services will be available at the Mitchell Family Funeral Home Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/Mitchell-Family-Funeral-Home-99280714047/. Please be patient as not all services begin promptly at the start time. If there are any technical difficulties with the livestream, a recording of the services will be uploaded to the page at a later time. Thank you for understanding!

Helen Elizabeth Williams was born on May 29, 1949 in Marshalltown, IA. She was the daughter of George and Josephine (Cutler) Williams. After graduating from Marshalltown High School in 1967, she attended Iowa State University and the University of South Dakota where she earned two bachelor’s degrees.

Helen married her soulmate, Dale Claussen, on October 17, 1987. The couple then made their home in the Sioux City area, where they raised their much-loved child Leslie.

Helen’s talents were substantial and varied across a spectrum of occupations and interests. She spent a significant amount of time managing the Claussen Family Greenhouse in North Sioux City, SD. However, her true passion was in teaching. She dedicated many years teaching in Sioux City, Iowa and Wharton, Texas. Her passion for educating and caring did not end at work – she connected with innumerable people over the years. Helen invited people she cherished to become part of her family. Her kindness and generosity will never be forgotten.

Helen was a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution and the Girl Scouts of America. An avid traveler, she fell in love with Scotland and recently traveled to Hawaii with her family. Helen loved reading, studying history, attending Broadway shows and watching classic movies.

Left to cherish her memory are her beloved husband of 34 years, Dale, and her son, Leslie Claussen. She is survived by her siblings Tom (Julie) Williams of Memphis, TN, Linda York of Marshalltown, and Gus (Susan) Williams of Madison, GA; sister-in-law Pat Williams of Marshalltown; as well as numerous nieces and nephews. Helen also leaves behind her adopted daughter Marie (Abraham) Johnson of Rancho Cucamonga, CA; her granddaughter, Eva Romero (of Marie); adopted son Isaiah Villarreal of Ankeny; and her best friend of 50 years, Kathie Shippy of Marshalltown.

Helen is preceded in death by her parents, George and Josephine, and her siblings: Paul (Punch) Williams, Judith Cameron, Philip Williams, and Cassandra Williams.

Her compassion for the world and the people around her will be passed on by those who cherished her.