Helen Gashel

Helen Lucille Gashel, 101, died Tuesday, October 25, 2011 at the Good Shepherd Health Center. Funeral services will be held 11:00 AM Friday, October 28, 2011 at the First United Methodist Church WAYside Chapel, 119 S. Georgia with Rev. Sean McRoberts officiating. Interment will be at 2:30 PM in the Reinbeck Cemetery, Reinbeck, Iowa with Rev. Terry Plocher officiating. Visitation will be held one hour prior to services at the church. Memorials may be given to the First United Methodist Church. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.majorericksonfuneralhome.com
Helen was born October 20, 1910 in Grundy County Iowa the daughter of William C. and Kathryn (Storjhann) Runft. She graduated from Cedar Falls High School then attended business school in Waterloo. Helen worked for the Rath Packing Plant in Waterloo before moving to Mason City in 1931. In Mason City, Helen worked for Standard Oil until her marriage to Vern L. Gashel July 22, 1938 at the Little Brown Church in Nashua. Later on, Helen served as the Director of the YWCA. She retired in 1976. Helen was a member of the First United Methodist Church for over 70 years, WSG church circle, past president of UMW, Camera Club, Occident Study Club, and served as Harding PTO President. Some of Helens interests included candy making, and raising roses to share with her neighbors and friends. Helen always looked forward to spending time with family, friends, and neighbors.
Helen is survived by 2 sons, William J. (Julie) Gashel of Rockford, Illinois and James R. Gashel of Denver, Colorado; 5 grandchildren, Andrea Beasley, Jonathon Gashel, Eric Gashel, Kathryn Berrios, and Valerie Costanza; 8 great grandchildren, Katrina, Kyle, Kole, Kinsey, Micah, Camden, Amelia, and Julianne; 1 brother, Harold Runft of Louisa, Virginia; special friend, Kari Kraus of Mason City.
Helen was preceded in death by her parents, husband, Vern; 1 brother, Roger; daughter-in-law, Betsy Zaborowski.

Memorials:
First United Methodist Church

Cemetery:
2:30 PM Friday, Reinbeck Cemetery

Visitation:
One hour prior to services at the church

Service:
11:00 AM Friday at the First United Methodist Church WAYside Chapel