Helen Rose Marie Neal
September 3, 1919 ~ April 15, 2010
Helen Rose Marie Pitlik Neal, 90 of Mount Vernon, died Thursday, April 15, 2010, surrounded by her family at Hallmark Care and Rehabilitation Center. Funeral services for Helen will be 1:00 p.m., Monday at Morgan Tribute Center, Mount Vernon. The visitation will be Sunday from 4:00 until 7:00 p.m. at the center. Surviving Helen are her children: Gary (Joanne) of Newport Beach, California, Kenneth (Kathy) of Mount Vernon, Sandy (Ron) Williams of Cedar Rapids, and Russ (Barb) of Lisbon; eleven grandchildren: Kevin, Mitch, Jon, Jeff, Jenny, Bryan, MacKenzie, Kelly, Jake, Ashley, and Ben; six step-grandchildren; seven great grandchildren; and a brother Francis (Jean) Pitlik of Cedar Rapids. Also surviving are two daughter-in-laws: Marilyn and Diana both of Cedar Rapids. Preceding Helen in death were her parents; Joseph and Mayme Beranek Pitlik; her husband Denny; two sons: Richard and Donald; siblings: Florence Bridges, Margaret Woods, and Jack Pitlik. Helen was born September 3, 1919, on the family farm near Ivanhoe where she attended country school. She graduated from Mount Vernon High School in 1937. Helen married Denny Neal, August 14, 1937 in Lisbon. Helen served on the board and was a trustee and treasurer for the Franklin Township. She was a member of the neighborhood Friendship Club for many years. Helen loved her flower gardens and shared plants with neighbors and friends. She was a self-taught artist and enjoyed painting and craft work. Helen and Denny traveled extensively during their retirement. Helen will always be remembered for her love for family and devotion to running the family farm. A memorial fund in Helen's honor has been established. On-line condolences: www.morganfuneralchoices.com
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We were so sorry to hear of your Mom’s passing. You are in our thoughts and prayers and have our deepest sympathy. We will always remember the good times we had visiting with all of the family at the farm and when your folks were in California. Ellis and Marlene
My sincere sympathy to Mrs. Neal’s entire family and especially to her son, Gary, my classmate and friend.
I am sorry I am out of town and will be unable to attend the visitation and funeral. Helen was a dear friend of my mother, Wanda Kaplan. My deepest sympathy is extended to her family.
Barb & Russ, Was so sorry to see that your mom had passed. I realize it is probably very difficult for you. I hope that things are going well for you otherwise. I think it is very ironic that you moved into the home she loved so much. I am sure that was very comforting for her knowing that it is in the family still. She was always such a sweet woman. Take care & my thought are with you. Love, Chari
Gary, was very sorry to hear your mother passed away. My sincere sympathy to you and your family.
We are sending our deepest sympathy to your families. Sorry we are unable to attend the visitation or funeral, but please know you are in our thoughts and prayers. We have known Helen and your family for so many years. There was never a time that Helen didn’t recognize us or know our name even if it had been years since we had seen her. She was a very hard working devoted mother.
I was sorry to read in the CR Gazette online about Mrs. Neal’s passing. My grandmother was Mary Stepanek who lived near Mt. Vernon for a few years and was a member of the Friendship Club until her death in 2003. I know she considered Helen Neal a “real lady” and a dear friend thru the years. My grandmother thought of her Mt. Vernon farm friends as wonderful people. I remember going to the Neal farm with my grandmother for visits and the kitchen was always so warm, inviting and cozy. Please know that I am thinking of the Neal family and will keep you in my thoughts and prayers. Sincerely, Barb Van Slyke Elmore
Ken, Kathy and family, Please accept my condolences on the loss of your mother. I only read about her passing yesterday in my (delayed) copy of the Mt. Vernon-Lisbon Sun. I have no doubt that she had a satisfying life with such a grand family as she had, including you two. God bless you. Sincerely, Mike
Ken and Family I was so saddened to hear of Aunt Helens passing. I know it is a difficult time and she will be so missed but try to celebrate her life, and what a great Mom she was to all of you . Deepest Sympathy to you all. I am John Bridges widow, I now live in Monroe, Georgia .