Helen Lorraine Oldfather, daughter of Walter H. and Nellie Oelberg Turner, was born April 2, 1908, in Fayette County, Iowa. She was baptized and confirmed as an adult at the United Methodist Church in Fayette.
She attended the Stone School in Fayette County, graduated from Fayette High School, and attended Upper Iowa University in Fayette where she received her normal teaching certificate. She taught for one year in the Illyria Township School prior to her marriage.
On November 26, 1929, she was united in marriage with Milo Oldfather at the United Methodist Church in Fayette. The couple farmed for many years in Fayette County. Helen worked for many years as chief cook in the Wadena Public Schools, and in her later years, worked at Upper Iowa University, also in food service.
A resident of Maple Crest Manor Care Center in Fayette for several years, Helen’s death occurred there on Sunday, January 10, 2010, from natural causes. She was 101 years old, and was currently a member of the United Methodist Church in Fayette. For many years while farming near Wadena, Helen and Milo had been members of the Wadena Presbyterian Church, Milo’s home church.
Helen is survived by one daughter, Joann Burke of Baraboo, Wisconsin; two sons, Paul (Jeanette) Oldfather of Oxford, Iowa and Roger (Melodye) Oldfather of Gray, Georgia; nine grandchildren; fourteen great grandchildren; one niece, Joyce Widner of Cave Creek, Arizona; and one nephew, Dr. James Turner of Marion, Iowa.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Milo, who died April 12, 1990; two infant great granddaughters, Brooke and Amanda Oldfather; two brothers, Elmore and Paul; and one son-in-law, Joseph Burke.
Funeral Services for Helen will be held at 1:00 p.m., Wednesday, January 13, 2010, at the First United Methodist Church of Fayette. Rev. Jason Princer will be the officiant. Friends may call from noon until service time, Wednesday at the First United Methodist Church in Fayette. Burial will be at Taylorsville Cemetery in Arlington, Iowa.
