Helen Vrbsky, second daughter born to Joseph H. and Martha A. (Newburn) Kubert, passed away at the Westridge Care Center in Clarinda, Iowa on September 24, 2008 at the age of 95 years, 5 months, and 26 days.

Helen was born on March 29, 1913 in Pleasant Hill, Nebraska. She was primarily raised by her father, after her mother's passing when she was only 16 months old. Other aunts and uncles also helped to raise Helen along with her older sister Rose. She attended Pleasant Hill District 11 School through her eighth grade year. She participated in the many school plays that were put on at the Tabor Hall. She used a scoop shovel sled to slide on the snow in the winter and she also enjoyed ice-skating on the mill pond. She also helped with the many chores that needed to be done.

In her younger years, Helen would walk many miles to attend barn dances with cousins and friends. She also helped cook and clean house for many relatives and friends. Helping to harvest berries and other fruit were other jobs that she held.

On March 20, 1934, Helen married Louis Vrbsky in Wilber, Nebraska. This union was blessed with three children. They made their home on the Vrbsky home place. Helen and Louis were married for 63 years before Louis' passing on November 19, 1997.

In 1939, due to 7 years of drought and depression, the couple sold the farm in Nebraska and bought a farm in Fremont County, Iowa north of Farragut. They moved from Nebraska to Iowa in March of 1940. In 1948 they moved into their new home which was built with their own hands. Louis said, "I cut the lumber and Helen pounded the nails."

Helen was a member of the Farragut Band Mothers, American War Mothers, S&N Club, OTO Club, Lady Ike' where she served as Kitchen Chairperson, Vice President, President, and was also a board member. Another proud accomplishment was when Helen received her 50 year pin as a member of the ZCBJ Tabor Lodge #74 of Dorchester, Nebraska. Other enjoyments included quilting, embroidery, crocheting, gardening, and tending to her flowers. She enjoyed the times that she spent with her grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Louis, sister Rose and grandson-in-law Mathew "Sonny" Piitz.

Those left to cherish her memory include her daughter Grace Turner of Lincoln, NE, sons LeRoy Vrbsky and wife Janice of Shenandoah, IA and Vern Vrbsky of Farragut, IA; grandchildren; Kevin Staehr and wife Patricia of Lincoln, NE, Donita Piitz and special friend Doug Delaney of Bennett, NE, Craig Staehr and wife Tina of Lincoln, NE, James Vrbsky of Anderson, IA, Deanne Swanson and husband Steve of Grayson, GA, Jeffrey Vrbsky of Essex, IA, John Vrbsky and special friend Juanita Perez of Lincoln, NE and Dana Barker and husband Ryan of Council Bluffs, IA; great-grandchildren; Tyler Staehr of Lincoln, NE, Brooke Staehr and special friend Zach Mahnke of Albuquerque, NM , Amber Staehr and special friend Brice Romer of Lincoln, NE, Michelle Vrchota and husband Steve of Elmwood, NE, Brian Piitz and special friend Jolene Roguski of Lincoln, NE, Cody Staehr and Tabitha Staehr both of Lincoln, NE and Andrew Swanson, Nathan Swanson, Jacob Swanson and Joshua Swanson all of Grayson, GA, Amber Vrbsky of Essex, IA and Matthew Vrbsky of Shenandoah, IA; great-great grandchildren; Triton and Brayden Staehr of Lincoln, NE and Devin and Meadow Vrchota of Elmwood, NE; other relatives and friends.

Funeral Services were held at 2:00 p.m. on Monday; September 29, 2008 at the First United Methodist Church in Shenandoah with Rev. Clark Finehout officiating. Burial followed in the Rose Hill Cemetery. Jim Androy and Norman Kling served as ushers while Mary Looper attended the register book. Becky Hoenshel served as the accompanist for Charles Peterson who sang "Old Rugged Cross" and "In The Garden". The congregation sang "How Great Thou Art". Serving as casket bearers were Helen's beloved grandchildren; Jim Vrbsky, Jeff Vrbsky, John Vrbsky, Deanne Swanson, Kevin Staehr, Craig Staehr, Donita Piitz and Dana Barker. Honorary Casket Bearers included Bernie Hughes, Joe Hughes, Tom Leahy, Don Peterson, Don Scott, Merlin McAllister and Newell Desart.