Helen M. Nix, 86, a longtime resident of Davenport, died peacefully on Oct. 18, 2009 following an extended illness.
Funeral services will be 10 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 22, 2009, at St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church, 916 E. Rusholme, Davenport. Burial will be in Mt. Calvary Cemetery, Davenport. Visitation will be Wednesday from 4-7 p.m. at the Halligan-McCabe-DeVries Funeral Home where you are invited to join the family at 4 p.m. for a prayer service to begin the visitation.
Helen Reilman was born on Nov. 23, 1922 in Akron, Ohio, the second daughter of Frederick and Helen (Waldsmith) Reilman. She met her future husband, Kenneth Michael Nix, during her senior year at Central Catholic High School, Ft. Wayne, Ind. After moving with her family to Davenport she worked at the Rock Island Arsenal. Helen and Kenneth married in El Centro, Calif. on April 21, 1945. During Kenneth’s military service they lived in Texas, Florida and North Carolina before settling in Davenport. In retirement Helen and Kenneth also lived in Estes Park, Colo., and Apache Junction, Ark.
Helen’s life centered around her family, her faith, and her community. She has been an active member of St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church in Davenport for over 50 years. She was also a member of St. Catherine Circle of the Altar and Rosary. Helen was a talented seamstress and poured her love into creating handcrafted works for family, friends and the community. She delighted in passing her skills on to her grandchildren. She enjoyed the beauty of nature through her travels and camping with her family.
Helen is survived by Kenneth, daughter Mary Anne Oliger, Davenport, Iowa, son Kenneth Jr. and his wife Terri, St. Paul, Minn., son James and his wife Karen, Racine, Wis., son David and wife Jill Van Winegarden, Oakland, Calif., sister Margaret Ufheil, Louisville, Ky., brother Robert Reilman and his wife Beverly, Alpharetta, Ga., brother Rev. Thomas Reilman, Burlington, Iowa, as well as nine grandchildren, one great grandchild and many beloved nephews, nieces and cousins. She was preceded in death by her parents, brother-in-law James Ufheil, and a son-in-law James Oliger, Jr.
The family wishes to profoundly thank the staff of Clarissa C. Cook Hospice House where she was lovingly cared for in her final days.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Assumption High School in Davenport, St. Paul the Apostle School or your favorite charity.
Online remembrances and condolences may be expressed by visiting Helen’s obituary at www.hmdfuneralhome.com.
