Theresa Agnes Hellman, born Nov. 15, 1936, died May 14, 2025 at age 88. She was a loving wife, devoted mother of 13 children, grandma, great-grandma, faithful Catholic, and kind-hearted woman.
Born to Anthony Joseph and Mary Genevieve (Millane) Arndt, the youngest of five siblings, Theresa grew up on the family farm outside Fairfield, Iowa. There she learned the practicality and resourcefulness that were her hallmarks. She attended Ottumwa Heights High School and College, and went on to earn degrees in Philosophy and German from Marquette University. Theresa was always grateful to her Aunt Mary Arndt, who moved near the Marquette campus to defray Theresa’s living expenses. After graduation, she worked in various office roles at Petran Products, Fuller Brush Company, and Philco.
Theresa met her future husband, Merlin John Hellman, at a dance at the West Point Legion. They married on Feb. 1, 1958, and together they built a vibrant, loving home for their thirteen children. Their life together began in Houghton, Iowa, and in 1976 they moved to Fort Madison. Faith and family were central: they were members of St. Joseph Parish and active in the Catholic school system. A special joy was their bridge club, where lifelong friendships were built over sixty years of bids and banter.
With a curious mind and a determined spirit, Theresa was always learning — she was often found with a library book on gardening, fixing things, or travel. She enjoyed practicing German with her grandchildren, and she was an organic gardener before it became fashionable. Her gentle soul naturally attracted animals, and her patience with children — remarkable. She considered herself blessed by many loving people throughout her life; she was fond of her siblings and treasured those relationships.
Her kind nature was matched with a competitive spirit. A skilled Scrabble player, she generally decimated her opponents in a fell swoop at the end of a game, her knowledge of every two letter Scrabble word sealing the deal. She tempered her great skill with humility, though she would gladly tell you who won the Scrabble game if you happened to ask — and she was so often the winner.
How do you capture a life such as Theresa’s? She was extraordinary! She knew her own mind and stayed true to her values and beliefs. She was kind, never spoke harshly, and always prioritized people. Theresa had a smart wit and a sense of humor. Her spirit was optimistic, her heart beautiful and loving.
Theresa is survived by her children: Rita (Mike) Minchk of Iowa City IA, Dorothy (Rick) Posch of Westford MA, Bill (Jen) Hellman of Fort Madison IA, Tony Hellman (Giulia Roselli) of Salt Lake City UT, Paul (Julie) Hellman of Fort Madison IA, Barb (Eric) Leathers of Towanda IL, Anita (Stacy) Groene of Ames IA, Martha (Scott) Pauley of Carmel IN, Joan Hellman of Scottsdale AZ, Mary (Dan) Munson of Folsom CA, Sarah (Matt) Evanson of Indianapolis IN, Jon (Sheryl) Hellman of Denmark IA, and Sue Ann Hellman of Burlington IA.
Twenty-nine grandchildren proudly call her Grandma: Carolyn Minchk, Laura (Joshua) Kulow, Dan (Eva) Minchk; Laurianne (Phil) McHenry, August Posch; Claire and Rachel Hellman; Maxwell, Conrad, and Wyatt Hellman; Amber, Nick and Natalie Leathers; Brandt, Madison, Adam, and Pailyn Groene; Nate and Anna Pauley; Kate, Melaina, and Megan Munson; Jarl, Willem, and Greta Evanson; Michael, Jenna, Jack, and Ellie Hellman; and four great-grandchildren: Owen and Abigail Finley; Addison and Alexander Kulow.
Preceding Theresa in death are her husband Merlin Hellman, and her siblings John, Frank, and Jim Arndt, and Mary Anna Loftus.
Theresa’s family greeted friends on May 19, 2025 at Sacred Heart Church, Holy Family Parish, Fort Madison. A Mass of Christian Burial followed. Interment was at Gethsemane Cemetery, Fort Madison, Iowa with lunch following.
The family wishes to thank the staff of Great River Hospice for their loving care to Theresa, and to all who have lovingly supported them on this journey.
Donations for Holy Trinity Schools, Hope Haven, or Iowa Public Television may be sent to Barr Memorial Chapel, 1919 Ave F, Fort Madison, Iowa 52627 or left at the church. Barr Memorial Chapel is honored to serve the Hellman family www.barrmemorialchapel.com.
