Helen Hovinga

Helen J. Hovinga, age 89, passed away at Jennie Edmundson Hospital on December 18, 2025. She was born November 23, 1936, to the late Robert and Wylma Case in Marshalltown, IA. Helen graduated from Iowa School for the Deaf and retired from Pendleton Woolen Mills.

Mom lost her hearing at a very young age due to an illness. Recognizing the need for specialized education, her parents moved the family from Marshalltown to Council Bluffs so that she could attend the Iowa School for the Deaf.

Mom raised the three of us on her own. She never owned an automobile, so as children, we would ride the city bus downtown with her on Saturday mornings to shop. Sometimes these trips were for school clothes, while other times, Mom would buy fabric and a pattern to make clothes for herself. She sewed most of her "dress up" outfits.

Mom always ensured we had nutritious dinners. Our meals sometimes included minute steak, often Hamburger Helper, and once liver with onions-it wasn't our favorite. No matter the main dish, she insisted on a green vegetable.

Mom worked as a seamstress for Pendleton Woolen Mills, doing "finishing work" on high-end women's wool jackets. She was paid a flat rate for each jacket completed. Pendleton employed several others from the deaf community.

Family gatherings during holidays, especially with grandchildren and great-grandchildren, were among Mom's favorite occasions. She also cherished her involvement in the "Birthday Club," a group of ladies who have known each other since grade school and continue to meet monthly.

Mom was a devoted member of the First Christian Church. She took pride in owning her home, enjoyed tending to her vegetable garden, and loved dogs.

We miss you Mom

Helen is survived by her children, Zoe Rath (Craig), Curtis Hovinga, and Scott Hovinga (Daniel Wells); siblings, Sandra Hocker and Bob Case (Pam); grandchildren, Kylie Wees (Dan), Karissa Enstrom (Branden), Cole Rath (Sydney), and Chaley Hempel (Ryan); 8 great grandchildren; a host of other family and friends. 

It was Helen's wish to be cremated and not have a public service. Her family will celebrate her life on their own.