Helen Mae McCormick

Tuesday, January 21, 2020 4:00 pm

Helen Mae McCormick, 80, of Decorah, died Jan. 15, 2020, at her home in Decorah, with family by her side. Helen had fought a lengthy battle with COPD. A Celebration of Life is Saturday, Jan. 25, at the Decorah VFW Post 1977, 104 State Street, from 4 to 8 p.m. Come help celebrate Helen’s life with her family. Food, beverages and Karaoke will be provided. Come sing or listen to others sing. Karaoke was one of her favorite enjoyments in Decorah and in Texas. Helen never sang, but listened from Table No. 5, and many would dedicate their songs to Helen at Table No. 5.

Helen was born July 8, 1939, the daughter of Walter and Evelyn (Young) Quandahl in Decorah. Helen was baptized and confirmed at First Lutheran Church in Decorah. Helen attended Decorah schools. Helen was united in marriage to Gerald Edward McCormick March 15, 1957. Helen was the proud mother to five children. Terry, Jim, Cheryl, Debbie and Jody. Helen worked at Luther College in maintenance for many years. Helen and Jerry owned Jerry and Helen’s Lounge in Ossian for many years. After selling the Lounge, Helen and Jerry moved to Arizona where Helen worked with Alzheimer’s patients and worked at a Casino in Laughlin. Helen and Jerry moved to a retirement park in Mission, Texas. They made many friends in their traveling. Helen and Jerry were snowbirds and spent the summer months camping around the Decorah area so they could be close by their children and grandchildren.

Helen loved the Chicago Bears, camping, going to casinos, Country Music, Karaoke, cross word puzzles, putting puzzles together, reading and playing Yahtzee, visiting with her friends at the Washington Street Apartments and visiting with her family and going on outings.

Helen is survived by two sons, Jody (Chris) McCormick, Muscatine and Jim McCormick, New Hampton; two daughters, Cheryl (Lloyd) Fleshner, Ridgeway and Debbie (Dean) Patterson of Cresco; grandchildren: Josalyn (Matt) Haywood, Decorah; Chris (Vada) Dahl, Leroy, Minn.; Rachel (Jarod) Schuman, Decorah; Kyle (Samantha) Dahl, Decorah; Emily McCormick, Muscatine; Travis (Stacy) Fleshner, LaPorte City; Jeffrey (Cathy) Kimber, Spillville; Lucas McCormick, Daniel McCormick, Skylar McCormick, New Hampton; great-grandchildren: Dominick Rouse, Sasha Rouse, Decorah; Konnor Haywood, Decorah; Azalya Dahl, Zayden Dahl, Delyza Dahl, Leroy, Minn.; Kennadi Schuman, Kelbi Schuman, Kooper Schuman, Decorah; Madison Dahl, Cole Dahl, Decorah; Kiah Kimber, Gavin Kimber Spillville; Tyson Fleshner, Hunter Fleshner, LaPorte City; Alec Fleshner, Trinn Fleshner, Tinley Fleshner, Decorah; one sister, Wilma Steffans, Postville; brothers-in-law: Don (Pat) McCormick, Decorah; Carsten Quam, Decorah; Ken (Mary) McCormick, Clear Lake; sister-in-law, Jule McCabe, Decorah; and also many nieces and nephews.

Helen was preceded in death by her parents, Walter and Evelyn Quandahl; her husband, Jerry McCormick; her son, Terry McCormick; mother- and father-in-law, Joe and Adeline McCormick; granddaughter, Heather Kimber; grandson, Jason Fleshner; nephews, Roger Steffans and Kyle McCormick; brothers-in-law: Dale McCormick, Gary Gates, Donald Steffans; sisters-in-law, Carol Quam and Joyce Gates; and special friend, Ron Bulmer.

Helen’s family would like to give special thanks to Winneshiek County Physical Therapy, WMC Hospice, Selina Quandahl and her friends at Washington Street Apartments.

Fjelstul Funeral Home in Decorah is serving the family. Online condolences may be made at fjelstul.com.