Helen Louise Michelson 94 of West Des Moines passed away August 29th, 2022.
Helen was born on January 30th, 1928, in Mount Ayr, IA, to Clark and Effie (Masden) Pratt. She was one of ten siblings (5 boys and 5 girls). She graduated from Mount Ayr High School. She met her husband Lester, a farmer from Huxley, dancing at the Val Ayr and Riverview Ballroom. They were married on September 24th, 1950.
She worked at the Equitable Life Insurance Company, but spent most of her career at the West Des Moines School District in Food Service until retiring. Her and Les enjoyed dancing and playing cards. She especially liked attending school and sporting events of her two grandsons Jeff and Ryan. She enjoyed having her grandsons spend time with her during school breaks. She would always make her grandsons their favorite food which included grilled cheese, tacos, and pizza. She would also give them ice cream with chocolate covered peanuts before bedtime and read them bedtime stories.
She was also a lifelong Hawkeye that never seemed to miss a football game. Everyone that knew Helen would tell you she could outwalk anyone. She was an avid mall walker. She even walked the halls at the nursing homes with the nurses' help. She was known for her kind, caring and good sense of humor, and was always seen smiling. She had the nurses laughing most of the time with her quick remarks. She spent a lot of time at the West Des Moines Senior Center having lunch and visiting with her friends.
Helen is preceded in death by her husband, Lester Michelson, and her parents, Clark and Effie Pratt. Helen is survived by her daughter, Susan (Terry) Haltom, and her grandsons, Jeffrey and Ryan, as well as her sister Doris Klejch and many Nieces and Nephews.
The Family would like to thank VIA Carlisle Cottage and St Croix Hospice for their loving and compassionate care.
Memorial contributions can be directed to the Alzheimer’s Association.