Helen Wilkening, 97, of What Cheer, died Sunday, July 21, 2019 at the Manor House in Sigourney. A memorial visitation will be held from 9:00 to 11:00 am on Thursday, July 25, 2019 at the Holland-Coble Funeral Home in What Cheer. Burial will be in the Sixteen Cemetery near Thornburg. No service is planned. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the Keokuk County Fair Grounds.

Helen Mildred Wilkening was born March 6, 1922 in What Cheer, Iowa, the daughter of John and Elsie Mayers Danner. She was united in marriage to Rex Wilkening on August 24, 1940 in Lancaster, Missouri. This union was blessed with three children, Jack, Darrell and Kay. Helen and Rex farmed east of Sigourney and moved to What Cheer in 1962 after losing their farm in a tornado. Helen's life was filled with many joys, her love for harness racing, her kids sporting events and tending to her garden and flowers. She also enjoyed music and dancing with Rex to the old band era. Above all Helen enjoyed time with her family.

She is preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Rex Wilkening, three brothers; three sisters; and an infant grandson.

Helen is survived by two sons, Jack and Darrell Wilkening of What Cheer; a daughter, Kay Wilkening of What Cheer; six grandchildren; five great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.