Obituary of Helen Gordon

Helen Jean Gordon, 79, a lifelong resident of Iowa City, died Sunday, November 29, 2015 at her daughter, Mary Beth Gordon Kokjohn's home in Clinton, surrounded by her loving family. Funeral Services will be at 6 p.m., Thursday, December 3, 2015 at Gay & Ciha Funeral Home, Iowa City with Rev. Dr. Barrie Tritle officiating. Visitation will be after 4:30 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home. Burial will be at St. Joseph's Cemetery Friday morning at 10:00 a.m. Helen was born January, 25, 1936 in Iowa City, the daughter of Jack and Virginia Yanaush. She graduated from Iowa City High School in 1954. Helen married Robert E. Gordon June 9, 1956 at St. Mary's Catholic Church Iowa City. Robert passed away November 24, 1980. Helen worked at Northwestern Bell and Oral B before she became a mother and raised her two children, Steve and Mary Beth with her husband, "Bob." Together they gave their children numerous outdoor experiences including tent camping throughout the US, picnic potlucks at the Housel farm, gardening, and made homemade popsicles for all the neighbors to enjoy. Following her husband's death, she began to create a wonderful life for herself. She reentered the workforce by becoming a cashier in the Business Office at the University of Iowa for 18 years. Soon she became an avid Hawkeye fan, and eventually followed all sports, but especially the Hawks and St Louis Cardinals. She continued her passion of the US and overseas travel through the Friends of Hills Bank and Trust, took bus trips to play the slot machines at area casinos, and enjoyed her long conversations with her best friend, Nancy Petersen. A very special thank you to Bill and Jenny Anciaux and Doug and Sandy Vollstedt who made it possible for her to stay in her home until this past year when she moved to Legacy Assisted Living. Helen is survived by her mother, Virginia Vae Yanaush; son Steve M. Gordon and his children, Avery and Aria; a daughter Mary Beth Kokjohn and her children, Rebecca, Christina, and Jacquelyn; and great -grandson, Owen, Rebecca's son; a nephew Todd A. (Karla) Smith and their children Megan, Jared (Kelsey), Kathryn, Kailyn, and a niece Heather L. (Dana) Holeman. She is preceded in death by her husband, Robert E. Gordon; father, Jack Yanaush; her sister and brother-in-law, Carol and Le Smith; and son-in-law, Bruce W. Kokjohn. Memorials in Helen's name may be directed to the University of Iowa Children's Hospital c/o University of Iowa Foundation, and Mercy Hospice of Clinton, Iowa.