Helen Marie Zemo Beals

Helen Marie Zemo Beals, was born on March 31, 1935 in Centerville, IA, the daughter of Ludwick and Mary Blozovich Zemo. She was raised in Rathburn, IA and graduated from Centerville High School in 1952. She passed away on Monday, May 10, 2021 at her home in Springfield, IL at the age of 86 surrounded by her loving family.

After graduation, Helen worked at Vernon Advertising Company for four years in Newton, IA. She met the love of her life, Stanley, during this time. They were married on January 2, 1956. After they were married, they moved to Washington for two years while Stanley served in the Army. They then moved back to Newton, IA, where she became the owner/operator of Helen’s Beauty Salon for 22 years. They both retired in 1982 and moved to Southern California where they were managers of a Senior mobile home park for 22 years. In 2002, they moved to Springfield to be near their family.

Helen loved all types of dancing. When they lived in Southern California, they belonged to three different square dance clubs and traveled all over the state dancing. She loved her family and traveling with them. The only thing that could make her leave Southern California and come back to the winters of the mid-west was her love for her grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her two infant daughters, Patricia Diann and Mary Frances; her parents; and her two brothers, Steve and Tom Zemo.

She is survived by her husband, Stanley Beals of Springfield; daughter, Debra Beals of Springfield; son, David (wife, Melinda) Beals of Williamsville; grandsons, Kyle (wife, Nicole) Beals of Springfield and Tyler Beals of Williamsville; brothers, Rudy Zemo of Centerville, IA and Louie (wife, Wilma) Zemo of Portland, TX; two sisters, Pauline and Deloris Zemo of Centerville, IA; and several nieces and nephews.

Cremation will be provided by Butler Cremation Tribute Center prior to ceremonies.

Memorial Gathering: Family will receive friends from 5:00 until 7:00 p.m. on Monday, May 17, 2021 at Butler Funeral Home—Springfield. Visitation will begin with a prayer service. Due to COVID restrictions there will be limited capacity.

Memorial Ceremony: 12:30 p.m. on Tuesday, May 18, 2021 at Butler Funeral Home—Springfield with Rev. George Philip Nellikunnel, S.A.C. officiating. Due to COVID restrictions there will be limited capacity. For those wishing to view the ceremony via stream, you may do so by visiting here. Burial will follow at Camp Butler National Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to either of these churches for their building funds: St. John Vianney, 902 St. John’s Dr., Sherman, IL 62684 or Williamsville Christian Church, P.O. Box 233, Williamsville, IL 62693.