Helen Glen Carmichael, daughter of Frank Albert and Sarah Phoebe (Campbell) Algren, was born on January 4, 1924 in Manning, Iowa. After graduating from Manilla (Iowa) High School in 1941, she attended Iowa State Teachers College (UNI) in Cedar Falls, Iowa for one year. Helen taught country school for a year at Cuppy’s Grove School and boarded with the Carmichael family. It was during this time she met Jack Wendell Carmichael when he came home from the ship yards after enlisting in the US Navy during WWII. She had fond memories of meeting him in the Carmichael kitchen the first time. Helen taught first and second grades in Tennant, Iowa the next year.
October 10, 1944 in Miami, Florida Jack and Helen were married. During the war Helen lived with her in-laws and Jack joined her after his discharge. The couple raised their family in that same home.
In 1960 Helen began working as a nurse’s aid at the Myrtue Memorial Hospital. She received her LPN degree in 1967 and continued working in the health care field until her retirement in 1987.
Helen was a member of Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Jacksonville, Iowa, and a former member of the Altamont Baptist Church in rural Shelby County, Iowa. She was known to be an awesome cook, and she enjoyed sewing. Helen and Jack also liked to spend time together doing china painting.
Helen G. Carmichael died on Friday, March 27, 2009 at the Skiff Medical Center in Newton, Iowa, having reached the age of 85 years, 2 months, and 23 days.
Helen was preceded in death by her parents, and three sisters, Ann Nash, Jean Chuhak, and Mary Crotty. She is survived by her husband of 64 years, Jack Carmichael of Newton, Iowa; two daughters, Claudia (Rusty) James of Des Moines, Iowa, and Kathleen (John) Crist of Raymore, Missouri; one son, Jeff (Connie) Carmichael of Newton, Iowa; one sister, Lois Stitch of St. Louis, Missouri; six grandchildren; ten great grandchildren; and other relatives and friends.
Funeral services were held on Tuesday, March 31, 2009 at the Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Jacksonville, Iowa, with Pastor Ron Rasmussen officiating. Peggy Doonan served as organist and Ron and Carol Moon were the vocalists. Casket bearers were Brad Crist, Mike Crist, Laura Crist, Scott James, Cindi Johnson, Danielle Keninger, Korey Keninger, and Christina Carmichael. Burial was in the Jacksonville cemetery in Jacksonville, Iowa. The Burmeister-Johannsen funeral home in Harlan was in charge of the arrangements. Condolences may be left on line at www.burmeisterjohannsen.com.
To Jack Carmichael and family, we send our sincere sympathy in the loss of Helen. So many wonderful memories of the Reisz family living in the Carmichael neighborhood in Harlan. We are sending a memorial to The Maryknoll Fathers and Brothers in Helen’s name. Sending our best wishes to the family, Jim and Charlotte Noble
I was so saddened to read of Helen’s passing. My memories of Helen are from 1968 when I was a 20-something year old patient in Myrtue Hospital. Helen was my capable, understanding, smiling nurse who put me at ease. I know through the years that many a patient must have appreciated her as I did. May good memories help fill the empty spot in your hearts.
Dear Jack and family, Our deepest sympathy to you and your family. I enjoyed working with Helen at Myrtue from 1975 until her retirement in 1987. She was a wonderful nurse and an excellant mentor to me. She always had great respect from everyone at Myrtue. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. P.S. Jack,we always enjoyed your visits out on the farm helping us with the terraces. Take care!
My sincere sympathy in your recent loss of Helen. She was a DEAR lady who touched SO many lives when she worked at our hospital. She loved a fun time and was extremely caring, always doing anything extra that would help a patient or co-worker feel better. She taught us all to be cheerful…it was contagious. I was in Kathy’s high school class so got to know her better when we were in school.After college I worked with her and loved those cheerful hellos she always had for me.I saw her a few times later when she visited a doctor and know she often had lots of pain. Despite that she was always pleasant and interested in others and how they were doing.My sympathy to you all in this loss. Cindy Hulsebus
Dear Jack, I was saddened to hear of Helen’s passing. Although she’s in a better place with our Lord, she still is missed by those here. I remember all the good times we had at your house. You were very special to me and I hope you know that I cared very much for both of you. We are still here (in Harlan.) Marcus is driving a truck and picking up cores for Ford and I am driving a transit van for the elderly, handicapped, or just anyone who needs a ride. It’s the fartherest thing from what I thought I would ever do, but I love it. Chance to visit with people and be helpful, too. If you have a computer, send me an e-mail sometime or else send a note to 1401 Cheyenne Ave., Harlan. I love you both. June Mundt
To the family of Helen Carmichael. I have warm memories of Helen caring for my children and other children when they were hospitalized at Myrtue. I recall sitting in my child’s room watching Helen sing to a child as she made up a fresh bed for him as he waited in a chair. She was so soothing, it was comforting to watch. I’m sure many patients have such memories. I sympathize for your loss. Sincerely, Nancy Ross
Jack, I am sorry to hear of your loss. I wish you and your family the best and hope you can find peace in the fact that she no longer is suffering. John
Jeff, Connie and Family, Just want you to know that you are in our thoughts and prayers. The service was very nice and we hope that our grandkids will someday speek so highly of us. Love always, Mike, Jean and family
I am sorry for the loss of your mother. We have been praying for comfort for you during this time.
Jeff, Connie and Family, We are so very sorry to hear of your mom’s passing, Jeff. I so wish my mom could have gotten to know your mom and dad better when they were neighbors at Newton Village. Plase know that you are in our thoughts and prayers at this difficult time.
To the Carmichael family, My deepest sympathy to all of your family. I went to nursing school and worked at Myrtue with Helen in 1967. She was a good friend and a wonderful person to know and work with. I am very saddened to learn of her death. She had called me at my home about 3 weeks ago after the death of my husband. We had a very nice visit. I am happy for that memory now. Again, I wish to give my deepest sympathy to the family. Helen will be dearly missed. God Bless all of you, Mickie Gessert
I met Jack and Helen when I worked at the Newton Villiage. She touched my heart. I’m so glad I had the opportunity to know her. She was a very special person.
You all have our greatest sympathy. Your mother was a very nice lady. She helped me out more than once at the hospital. Our deepest condolences.
Jeff, Connie and Family – We are keeping all of you in our thoughts and prayers and we will see you in May.
Jack, Richard is gone but he always was interested in Helen and you. I didn’t know what grades she taught until I read the obituary. My condolences.
Our prayers are with the Carmichael/Crist Family for your loss. God Bless
Kathy you are in our prayers and we can’t thank you enough for sharing Helen and Jack with our sons. They loved the time they spent with them
To Jeff and extended family members: Sincere condolences from Rhonda and Roger Reker. You are all in our daily prayers