Helen Bosley

Helen Bosley, age 89, of Storm Lake, Iowa died Wednesday, September 27, 2023 at Methodist Manor in Storm Lake. Funeral Mass will take place Monday, October 2, 2023 at 10:30 a.m. at the St. Mary's Catholic Church in Storm Lake. Burial will be in the St. Mary's Cemetery in Storm Lake. Visitation will be held Sunday, October 1, 2023 from 4-7:00 p.m. with a Prayer Vigil at 6:30 p.m. at the Fratzke & Jensen Funeral Home in Storm Lake. The Fratzke & Jensen Funeral Home in Storm Lake is in charge of the arrangements. Helen Ann Connell was born on a farm northwest of Storm Lake on November 18, 1933 the oldest daughter of Clarence and Mary Connell. She attended high school at St. Mary’s and graduated in a class of 12 in 1951. During her HS years, she babysat, worked at the Root Beer stand, Horse Shoe Grill and Boyce’s Cream Station on Saturday’s. While working at Boyce’s Station she met Ernie Bosley while he was home on leave from the navy. After graduation she worked at JC Penney’s in several departments. She and Ernie were married at St. Mary’s Church on June 16, 1952. Together they made their home in Storm Lake. They had 6 children: Kenny, Mike, Kathy, Mary, Tom & Teresa. After her children were all in school and she had more “free time”, she started work at Hoffman’s. After 5 years Marion & Russ Hoffman offered to sell her the shop. On August 15, 1972 Helen purchased the flower and candle shop. She owned the shop for over 50 years and loved every minute of it. Over the years, she had a lot of help from her family. Many family members and friends got their first “real job” at Hoffman’s. Among many of her accomplishments, while on the board of SL Chamber of Commerce, Helen became the first female President of the Chamber Board. In 2002, she was the Business Person of the year, 2006 she received Chamber Involvement of the year with the prized award, Scrooge Contest Winner. Helen was active in raising money and working with other business owners to put lights on the downtown buildings, which are still maintained today. She helped raise the money to purchase flags that are displayed around Storm Lake. Helen loved Santa’s Castle and was an active board member for this, working fundraisers, donating countless hours of her time. She was an active member and an officer of St. Mary’s Auxiliary Guild and Catholic Daughters of America. After 64 years of marriage, on September 24, 2016, her beloved Ernie passed away. In 2017, Helen moved to Methodist Manor where she made many great memories with old and new friends. Those left to cherish her memory are children: Ken (Johanna) Bosley - Abita Springs, LA; Mike Bosley - Aurelia, Iowa; Kathy Mummert - Storm Lake, Iowa; Mary (Ed) Larsen - Storm Lake, Iowa; Tom (Jodi) Bosley - Sioux City, Iowa; Teresa (Rick) Siewert - Perryton, Texas; Brother - Dan (Linda) Connell - Storm Lake, Iowa; Sister - Dorothy Hammer - Hamden CT. Grandchildren: Christa Furden of Abita Springs, LA; Chad (Melissa) Bosley of Chicago, IL; Julie (Brian) Miller of Storm Lake, Iowa; Sarah (Mike) Bartling of Storm Lake, Iowa; Katie (Colby) Smith of Lacona, Iowa; Molly (Nathan) Hippen of Iowa Falls, Iowa; Halie (Bryan) Larsen Siefker of Des Moines, Iowa; Braden (Meredith) Bosley of Des Moines, Iowa; Beau Bosley of Sioux City, Iowa; Jennifer (Justin) Buendia of Amarillo, Texas; Cameron (Will) Siewert of Santa Fe New Mexico; Caroline Siewert of Los Angeles, California. Great grandchildren: Abigail Bosley; Keegan, Kennadie and Kale Miller; Emery, Billie, Brooke and Mary Stella Smith; Holden, Hadlie and Huxten Hippen; Landon and Case Buendia. Along with many cousins, nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, Ernie, her parents Mary and Clarence Connell, In-laws, Claude and Opal Bosley and her granddaughter Heidi Mummert.

Helen Bosley

November 18, 1933 - September 27, 2023