Helen Parcell

Helen Parcell, 97, of Oskaloosa, passed away on April 4, 2023, at the Oskaloosa Care Center. Helen Lorraine Parcell was born on October 12, 1925, at her parents' rural home, in Marion County, south of Bussey, the second child of seven children born to John and Velda (Wellman) Force. After graduating from high school in 1943, she traveled to New Jersey, where she worked as a bookkeeper for the Cattle Herdsman Company. After two years, Helen returned to Oskaloosa and was employed by the Blue Mill Restaurant. She worked there for a year and then went to work at the Ladies' Ready-to-Wear dress shop, the store with the pink door. On October 2, 1949, Helen married Elmer D. Crook in Kilduff, Iowa. Helen remained at home for several years while her daughter was young but eventually returned to work at Holton's Dress Shop, working for Bruce and Maxine Hanna for 25 years. In her younger years, Helen enjoyed working with the Girl Scouts. Elmer passed away on December 26, 1986. Helen married John Parcell on October 12, 1996, and they made their home in Oskaloosa. He passed away on September 10, 2011. Helen's family includes her daughter and son-in-law, Cheryl and Tim Edge of Eddyville; three grandsons and their wives: Josh and Marti Nicklaus, Dan and Jannell Sowers, and David and Amara Sowers; three step-grandchildren: Eric and Harmony Edge, Tina, and Jeff Van't Sant, Angelia and Jeff Duck; five great-grandchildren: Braedon Nicklaus, Gavin Nicklaus, Dalton Sowers, Dustin Sowers, and Landon Herd; four step-great-grandchildren: Erin DeCook, Nick Edge, Jonathan Edge, and Sabrina Van't Sant; four great-great-grandchildren: Oaklynn Edge and Timothy DeCook, Easton Edge, and Jaxon Nicklaus. She is also survived by two step-children: John and Cathy Parcell of Raytown, Missouri, and Kathy and Chris Gamm & family of Bowling Green, Missouri; two sisters: Marge Cox of Bussey and Madeline Lupher of Des Moines and a sister-in-law, Phyllis Force of Hamilton. In addition to her parents and husbands, Helen was preceded in death by a step-great-grandson, Jacob Van't Sant; her siblings: Betty Redding, twins Elmer and Delmar Force, and Jack Force; and a brother-in-law Bob Lupher. Funeral services for Helen will be held at Langkamp Funeral Chapel on Monday, April 10, 2023, at 10:30 a.m., with Pastor Chris Gamm officiating. Burial will be in Forest Cemetery. Visitation will begin at 9 a.m. on Monday, April 10, 2023, with the family present from 9:30 a.m. until the service begins. Memorial contributions can be made to the Oskaloosa Care Center.

Helen Parcell

October 12, 1925 - April 4, 2023