Helen Herren

Helen Mary Herren, age 86, passed away peacefully at Gracewell Nursing Home in Denison, Iowa on August 1, 2025.

She was born September 19, 1938 in Council Bluffs, Iowa to the late Emil and Ethel (Pope) Knickman. Helen graduated from Silver City, IA high school. She received her Bachelor's Degree from the University of Northern Iowa and her Master's Degree at the University of Northern Colorado.

Helen taught all levels of English at Thomas Jefferson high school, in Cedar Rapids, for over 37 years. She was also a judge at the regional and national Academic Decathlon for many years. After retirement from Thomas Jefferson high school, Helen remained involved in Shakespeare Club, Cedar Rapids Literary Club, and an informal book club with friends. She was an avid reader and continued to read books throughout her life right up to the end.

She was preceded in death by parents, Emil and Ethel Knickman; husband, Dale Herren; and brother, Conrad Knickman.

Helen is survived by her sister-in-law, Neta Knickman; nephew, Jason and Jennifer Knickman; great nephew, Cooper Knickman; great niece, Addyson Knickman, and a host of other family and friends.

Memorial Service will be held at 1:00 PM at Hoy Kilnoski Funeral Home on Thursday, August 7, 2025.