Helen Louise Townsend

Helen Louise Townsend, 84, died on Sunday, February 27, 2022, at St. Francis Manor in Grinnell. A graveside service will be held at 1:00 p.m., Wednesday, March 9, 2022, at the Newton Union Cemetery. Memorials to St. Francis Manor may be left at the funeral home.

Helen, the daughter of Everett and Alice (Kloppenberg) Samuels, was born on September 13, 1937 in Newton. She graduated from Newton High School in 1955. Helen was united in marriage with Max Townsend in 1956 in Colfax. She lived most of her life between Jasper and Marshall counties. Helen was a wonderful homemaker. She enjoyed flower and vegetable gardening and watching animals and birds. She also liked to bake and many times would have something delicious waiting for the kids when they got off the bus. Helen loved spending times with her family.

Helen is survived by four children, Christina Fortner of Lynnville, Mark Townsend of Norwalk, Caryn (Paul) Webb of Montezuma, and Martin (Jessica) Townsend of Montezuma; her grandchildren, Cory (Carissa) Townsend, Luke (Abbie) Townsend, Dustin (Teresa) Winchell, Derek (Kiley) Winchell, Alyssa Carrison, River Webb, Codi Townsend, Shayla Townsend, Keegan Clayton, Zach (Olivia) Townsend, Jerica Clayton, Tristan Townsend, and Aubrie Townsend; and 17 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Max; two children, Catherine and Michael Townsend; and a sister, Leota.