Helen Edmundson Obituary

Helen Louise (Tish) Edmundson, 79, of Keswick, Iowa, passed away on Friday, June 27, 2025, surrounded by the love of her family, after a long and courageous journey with health complications. Her decline began in 2017 after undergoing surgery to remove a tumor around her spinal cord, with cancer returning in early 2025. Through it all, Helen faced each challenge with strength, dignity, and a deep love for her family and community. Funeral services will begin at 10:00 am on Thursday, July 3, 2025 at the Holland-Coble Funeral Home in What Cheer. Visitation will be held on Wednesday, July 2, 2025 from 4:00 to 8:00 pm, or until the last guest is greeted by the family. Burial will be in the Sorden Cemetery near Webster. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the family.
Helen was born on March 15, 1946, in a farmhouse near Deep River, Iowa, She was the youngest of five children born to Floyd and Elnora Tish. She spent her childhood in the close-knit rural community and attended at Tri-County. In school, she played six-on-six basketball and enjoyed all the friendships and fun that came with small-town life. It was at a dance where she met the love of her life, Roger Edmundson. They were married on June 1, 1964, and began a life together filled with hard work, adventure, and unwavering devotion to one another. Helen's life on the farm was one of purpose and partnership. She could drive anything with wheels, worked alongside Roger doing livestock chores, delivered meals to the field, and kept the farm books with incredible precision. Her work ethic extended far beyond the farm-Helen held various jobs throughout her life, including at Teet -N -Tobes, Hometown Market, Coastal Mart (where she worked night shifts), Caseys, and as secretary for Schmidt Dairy Equipment. While at SDE, she found joy-and pride-in stepping up to drive semis across the country, often by herself, hauling oversized loads and milk tanks alongside Roger.
Helen was perhaps best known in the community for her service as a school bus driver for Tri-County Schools, a role she held for over 37 years. To ride Helen's bus was to know who was in charge. With a quick tap of the brakes and a glance in the rearview mirror, she could quiet any noise or settle any squabble. Her fairness, consistency, and care made her a beloved figure to generations of students. The highlight of each year was the famous end-of-year water fights-a tradition that brought joy to all who rode her route. Helen was deeply involved in the school community. She served as President of the Music Boosters, Athletic Boosters, and Alumni Association, and she traveled far and wide to support her children and grandchildren at school events across the state. Her dedication to her family knew no bounds.
Outside of school and work, Helen served on the board of the Modern Cooperative Telephone Company, Keswick Commercial Club, and kept the books for the Keswick Methodist Church, always finding ways to give back. She loved to travel and vacation, particularly enjoying time spent fishing-especially trolling for northern pike or casting topwater lures like Hula Poppers for bass. Camping at Belva Deer or at the state fair was also a time she treasured. You could find Helen on her scooter with cotton candy or a corn dog in her bag of goodies. In 2001, Helen and Roger purchased Hometown Market in Keswick, fulfilling her dream of running a local grocery store and serving meals to the community. It was more than a store to Helen-it was a way to care for the people around her, something that came to her naturally.
Helen was preceded in death by her parents, Floyd and Elnora Tish; her brothers Marvin, Keith, and Arlo Tish; and her sister Lois, sister-in-law Verla Tish, and brother-in-law Junior Gay.
She is survived by her loving husband of 61 years, Roger Edmundson; her children: Jeffrey Edmundson, Christine (Ed) Long, and Scott (Colette) Edmundson; her grandchildren: Jacob (Jamie) Edmundson, Jordan (JD) Widmer, Josh (Payten) Edmundson, Tamara (Nathan) Fogle, Sara Gragg, Benjamin (Lexi) Edmundson, Megan Edmundson and Brooke (Chris) Dulaney; and fourteen great-grandchildren, all of whom were her pride and joy.
Helen's legacy is one of service, strength, and unconditional love. She leaves behind a community made better by her presence and a family who will carry her memory forward with deep gratitude and love.
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