Helen "Holly" Herron Spitler

Rock Rapids, IA 

     Helen “Holly” Spitler age 96 of Rock Rapids, IA left for her heavenly home on Friday, August 9, 2024, at Lyon Specialty Care in Rock Rapids.

     A Celebration of Life service will be held at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, August 14, 2024, at The Rock Community Church in Rock Rapids, with Pastor Travis Remme officiating.

     Burial will follow in the Riverview Cemetery in Rock Rapids.

      Visitation will be from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, August 13th at The Rock Community Church in Rock Rapids.

      Arrangements are in the care of the Jurrens Funeral Home of Rock Rapids, IA.

      Helen Herron Silzer was born on July 21, 1928. She was the fifth child of Gus U. and Helen (Herron) Silzer. Her siblings, all now deceased, were Robert, Grace Marion, Warren, and Gustav Jr.

     Holly was married to Jack Spitler on September 14, 1947. The couple celebrated 70 years together. The Lord blessed them with three children, Diane (David) Wortman, Dick (Kerry) Spitler, and David (Kari) Spitler; five grandchildren, Justin and Daniel Spitler, Andrew and Philip Wortman, and Priscilla Braithwaite; and five great grandchildren (to whom Holly was known as Grandma Grape). Her nieces and nephews knew her as a loving aunt.

     A typing whiz, she worked at Look magazine and Northwestern Bell before her marriage. She claimed to be a poor student of math yet ended up a bookkeeper at her husband’s CPA firm and for a local dairy.

     Despite a childhood of trials and disappointments, Holly was determined to take her favorite word, “Joy”, to heart. She served her church, her community, her friends of all ages and her family selflessly. She loved keeping candy (especially Bings) at the ready, knitting, creating greeting cards, folding small boxes, making banners for her church, writing poetry, and giving gifts. For 39 years she was a volunteer for the American Cancer Society; she served on numerous local committees and for her church.

     Holly loved a good book, good conversation, Sunday School and Bible study, geraniums, bluebirds, hummingbirds, cardinals, the springtime return of Jenny Wrens, and ladybugs. Her family and friends were her priorities, always. 

     In keeping with Holly’s wishes, memorial received will be shared between The Rock Community Church and Dash for Dax DeGroot.