Helen Eason

Helen Eason, age 88, of Scranton passed away on Tuesday, March 29, 2016, at Thomas Rest Haven in Coon Rapids. Funeral services will be held at 10:30 A.M. on Saturday, April 2, 2016 at the Scranton United Methodist Church with Rev. Joyce Webb officiating. Music for the service will be by Cheryl Nailor and Karen Murphy. Casket bearers will be Michael Bruns, Ken Caulkins, Richard Caulkins, Wendell Caulkins, Brian Eason, Marshall Eason, Michael Mullihan, and Logan Opalinski. Burial will be in the Scranton Township Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 5 – 7 P.M. on Friday at the Dahn and Woodhouse Funeral Home in Scranton. The casket will be moved to the Scranton United Methodist Church at 9:30 A.M. on Saturday where visitation will resume until the time of service. In lieu of flowers the family suggests memorials be made to Genesis Development and the Scranton United Methodist Women and may be left at the funeral home or the church. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the Dahn and Woodhouse Funeral Home in Scranton and online condolences may be left for the family at www.dahnandwoodhouse.com Born on January 3, 1928, on her family’s farm near Beech, Iowa, she was the daughter of O. A. and Catherine (Mott) Caulkins. She graduated from Collins High School in 1945 and then attended Iowa State Teachers College in Cedar Falls and earned her teaching certificate. Helen was married to Wilbur “Curly” Eason on August 1, 1951, in Collins. Following their marriage, Helen taught school in Scranton while Curly served in the United States Army. Upon Curly’s return, the couple moved to the Eason family farm east of Scranton where they raised their family and farmed until their retirement. Helen loved farming and loved driving a tractor. Gregarious and generous, she lived a life of service to her church, her community, and her family. Helen and Curly advocated for education for those with special needs in the 1960’s and employment opportunities in the 1970’s on behalf of their daughter Genie, who was born with Down Syndrome. They were key contributors to the establishment of Genesis Development in Jefferson. An able leader, Helen was an active member of Scranton United Methodist Church, serving continuously as a member and chairperson of various committees. Helen travelled with Curly to Louisiana on two mission trips to serve impoverished communities. She was a member and officer of the Scranton United Methodist Women, served as President for a number of years and as District Secretary for the Fort Dodge District. Helen was a 50-year member of the Order of the Eastern Star and held every office on the path to Worthy Matron. Her community work spanned several decades as she helped organize numerous Scranton Alumni Banquets, served on the Scranton Betterment Committee, and was a board member of Cedar Lanes Estates (Greene County Home). Helen worked the election polls for many years, enjoyed being a census taker for two years, 2000 and 2010, and hosted local Republican caucuses in their home. Always an educator, Helen loved researching historical topics and presenting her talks to various groups. She loved life and laughter, and people enjoyed her quick wit. Helen was dedicated to her family, and also loved and mentored anyone who needed an adopted mom or grandmother. And she always had a pot of coffee to share with frequent visitors who stopped at the farm. Helen is survived by her husband Wilbur “Curly” Eason of Scranton; three daughters: Rebecca Joy Eason Opalinski of Parker, Colorado, Amy Marie Eason Bruns (Michael) of Natick, Massachusetts, and Carol Winifred Eason of Scranton; five grandchildren: Logan Eason Opalinski, Brooke Helen Opalinski (Reinaldo Sanchez), Rachel Catherine Bruns, Madeline Ruth Bruns, and Elizabeth Lea Bruns; her sister Doris Dickel of Urbandale, and many nieces and nephews. Helen was preceded in death by her parents, two brothers: Darel and Ben Caulkins, two sons-in-law: Kevin Bahl and John Reilly, and her daughter Eugenia Eason on April 4, 2014.