Helen B. Perry

Helen was born on December 14, 1921 in Panama, Iowa, the second of 11 children of Louis Kobolt and Anna Mathilda Hoffmann Kobolt. After graduating from high school, Helen borrowed money from her grandfather to finance her college education, earning a teaching certificate at what is now Northern Iowa University at Waterloo. Helen returned to Panama, and taught in a one-room schoolhouse. She had the interesting experience of teaching many of her younger siblings in her schoolhouse.

Following her older brother to California in search of milder winters, Helen decided to enlist in the Navy and became a Wave to assist in the war effort. Her

Navy roommate arranged for her to go on a blind date with a handsome marine, Loran (Bill) Perry, whom she married after the war was over. They settled in

Kansas City, built a home and raised three daughters. Both parents emphasized the importance of education and acquiring a profession; a philosophy that was

not common at the time for parents of daughters.

Typical of housewives during the 50’s, Helen stayed home to raise their daughters while Bill worked at General Motors. Helen was a kind, generous, and

uplifting person. She continued to assist her siblings providing a home for them in Kansas City until they became established after leaving the family farm in Iowa. Eventually, Helen help relocate her parents to Kansas City after they retired from their Iowa farm.

Helen was a voracious reader, keenly interested in learning. When her daughters went to college, you could catch her reading their textbooks. True to her

upbringing on the farm, she grew a variety of vegetables and canned many jars of produce to enjoy through the winter. Helen was very health conscious and was a proponent of ‘eating local’ before it was a movement. Helen enjoyed playing bridge and belonged to her bridge group for more than 20

years. Through her Women’s group at St. Charles Borromeo Church, she formed many friendships and contributed to many worthwhile causes. When her

husband retired from GM, they enjoyed many years of travel, until Bill’s death in 1992.

She is survived by her 3 daughters, Kathleen MacDonald, Joanne (Stephen) Langley, and Marilyn (Brian) Baker; five grandchildren, Neil (Jessica) MacDonald, Adam (Miki) Langley, Lauren (Ben) Starosta, Sarah Langley and Lacey (Matthew) Barnett; and, three great grandchildren, Aleigha, Lily and Ricky. Helen was

predeceased by her parents, her husband, and five siblings, Ralph, Walter, Alvin, Rita, Robert. She is survived by five siblings, Ferdinand, Margie, Patty, Vincent, and Elaine.

Helen will be greatly missed but we take comfort in knowing that she is now with her dashing Marine. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Helen’s name to the Alzheimer’s Association, alz.org.

Mass is Thursday, April 14 at 11:00 at St Charles Catholic Church, 800 Shady Lane, Kansas City. Visitation precedes the service beginning at 10:00. Burial with honors to follow at Resurrection Cemetery. Obituary and Condolences at www.mcgilleyantiochchapel.com; McGilley Antioch Chapel, 3325 NE Vivion, 816-453-7700.