Helen Smith

April 14, 1924 - January 20, 2012

Helen Slofer Smith, 87, of Knoxville Iowa passed away on January 15, 2012 at Angel?s Grace Hospice Center in Oconomowoc, Wisconsin. Funeral services for Helen will be held at 3:00 P.M. on Friday, January 20, 2012 at St. Anthony?s Catholic Church in Knoxville. Burial will follow services at Graceland Cemetery in Knoxville. Visitation will be at the Winfield Funeral Home on Thursday, January 19, 2012 from 4:00 P.M. to 7:00 P.M., with Helen?s family present. Helen Slofer Smith was born April 14, 1924 in Solon, Iowa, the daughter of Merle I. Jedlicka and Leonard Slofer. Helen graduated from Solon High School. She attended Mercy Hospital School of Nursing and the University of Iowa graduating with an RN degree. In 1944 she joined the Cadet Nurse Core and served six months at the Schick Army Hospital in Clinton, Iowa. Later she was assigned to the VA Hospital in Knoxville Iowa. Helen retired from the VA Hospital in 1979 after 34 years of service, where she held the position of Clinical Administrator Supervisor. After retiring she worked five years for Evans Ambulance Service as an EMT. Helen was an accomplished and passionate golfer that dominated women?s golf at Pine Knolls Country Club and other areas for two decades. Helen?s other interests included a love for gardening, birds and animals. She helped support the Knoxville Humane Society. Helen also belonged to the Retired Nurses Association and St. Anthony?s Rosary Society. In July 1946 she married Donald J. Smith who preceded her in death February 20, 1994. Helen is survived by her one son Jim Smith and daughter-in-law Patricia of Waukesha, Wisconsin and two grandchildren Tyler Smith of Lantana, Florida and Amber Smith of Waukesha, Wisconsin. She is also survived by her brother Bernard Slofer and his wife Mary Louise of East Winthrop, Maine and sister Mary Jean Kirchner of Lone Tree, Iowa. The family would like to thank the many friends and neighbors who helped in so many ways during Helen?s illness. Without their assistance Helen could not have lived in her home with her beloved animals as long as she did. The family would also like to thank the Hospice of Central Iowa and Pro Health of Wisconsin. A memorial has been established to the Knoxville Humane Society. Condolences may be sent to www.winfieldfh.com.