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Helping hands

In lieu of flowers

In lieu of flowers, consider a gift to American Cancer Society.

Obituary

Mersihda Jim Helkena, passed away in Dubuque, Iowa, on September 21, 2021
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Event details

Memorial events are private

Mersihda requested a Mersihda passed away in Dubuque, Iowa on September 21, 2021. She is survived by her husband, Elson Helkena, her five children: Brenda, Ted, Elna, Ruth-Sheena, and Krystal-Emma; and twenty-three grandchildren and five great grandchildren. Mersihda requested a private funeral service with immediate family members but we are overwhelmed by the large gatherings of well wishers and support of the Marshallese community here in Iowa and also a warm kalangen or komol tata and warm thank you for her sisters, brothers, nieces and nephews who traveled from other neighboring States to pay their respect and share fond stories of her life, cooking and share her favorite food to all who attended the events. Mersihda's last wish to her husband and their children was to be cremated her ashes be buried beside her youngest son who died and was buried in Majuro, Marshall Islands, years ago. We are honoring her wish.

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Timeline

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Born

November 29th, 1954
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Passed away

September 21st, 2021
East Dubuque, IL

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Other key details

Cause of death

Cancer

Method of disposition

Cremation

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Mrs. Mersihda "Mercy" Helkena