Helen M. Goranson

Helen M. Goranson, 93, of Forest City, passed away Wednesday, January 30, 2019 at the Good Shepherd Health Center in Mason City.

Funeral services will be held 10:30 A.M., Monday, February 4, 2019 at the United Methodist Church in Forest City with Rev. Les Green officiating. Burial will be at Rose Hill Cemetery in Thompson.

Visitation will be held from 4 to 6 P.M., Sunday at Cataldo Schott Funeral Home in Forest City and will resume one hour prior to services at the church.

Memorials may be directed to the United Methodist Church in Forest City.

Helen was born November 25, 1925, in Alexander, Iowa, to Walter Frederick (Fred) and Elsie Twyla (Reed) Dunn. She lived in Alexander, Cedar Falls, and Forest City, Iowa. Helen graduated from Forest City High School in 1943. She attended Waldorf College and worked at Forest City Bank & Trust. Helen was a long-time member of the choir (75+ years) and bell choir at the United Methodist Church, Sunday school teacher, circle leader and was involved in various other church activities including singing solos for numerous funerals. Community activities included being a member of the Lioness Club and assisted with elections.

On February 2, 1950, Helen married Robert James Goranson, at the United Methodist Church in Forest City. They farmed in the Forest City area until they retired in 1993. Helen helped Robert with the farm doing chores and driving tractors while taking care of their children and housework. Helen was well known for her cinnamon rolls and the many sets dishtowels she embroidered. She enjoyed singing, listening to music, playing cards, bowling, spending time with family and friends, and traveling.

Helen is survived by her children, Roberta Mae (Arnold) Kleckner of Mason City, Glen Edward (Nancy) Goranson of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Roger Dale (Marcia) Goranson of Olive Branch, Mississippi and John Dennis (Wanda) Goranson of Waukee, Iowa; grandchildren Matthew (Nataliya) Kleckner, Nathan Kleckner and fiancé Erin Lucas, Amelia Goranson and fiancé Tom Carr, Liberty Jo (Libby) and Ryan Goranson, Jonna (Josh) Woolheater and James Goranson; great grandchildren, Lillian and Madelyn Woolheater; and step great granddaughter, Taylin Woolheater.

Helen was preceded in death by her husband Robert; parents, Fred and Elsie Dunn; brothers, Richard and Llewellyn Dunn; and other loved ones.