Helen Koonce (85) of St. Elmo
Published on February 12 2021 2:19 pm
Helen Koonce, 85, of St. Elmo, died at 12:35 a.m. Friday, February 12, 2021 at Lutheran Care Center, Altamont.
A private family service will be held on Tuesday, February 16, 2021 at The First United Methodist Church, St. Elmo with Dan Laack officiating. Burial will follow at Maplewood Cemetery, St. Elmo. Memorials may be to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital, WJLY, or The Giving Plate (for their special meals program). Gieseking Funeral Home, Altamont is assisting the family with arrangements.
Helen L. Koonce was born on Wednesday, January 8, 1936 in Breckenridge, MI to Denny and Mary (Poindexter) Fears. She married James Koonce on June 2, 1953 and he preceded her in death on August 23, 2002. She was a member of The First United Methodist Church, St. Elmo and of the Royal Neighbors of America. Helen was an avid St. Louis Cardinals and Illini fan. Referred to as “Grandma Helen” by all those who loved her, grandma’s door was always open for those who needed a place to stay, a laugh, or a plate of food.
She is survived by; her son, Denny (Sharon) Koonce, Benton, MO; daughter, Kari Beasley (Rob Coleman), St. Elmo; sister, Marilyn McKown, Homosassa, FL; 5 grandchildren, Andy (Halli) Koonce, Ashlyn (Ryan Copeland), Britani Beasley, Katie (Nicole) Koonce, and Connor Beasley (Gina Kowalczyk).
In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by; her parents and daughter Joni Springman.
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