Helen J. Dutemple, 93, of Urbandale, passed away August 10, 2024, under Hospice care at Deerfield Retirement Center.

Helen Jean Fox was born December 19, 1930, in Forest City, Iowa, daughter of Clyde and Jennie (Smith) Fox. She was the youngest of seven children. She attended a country school near her home and graduated from Forest City High School.

While working at Meredith Corporation, she attended a company gathering where she met the love of her life, Al Dutemple. They were married at St. Peter’s Catholic Church in Des Moines on October 7, 1950. They resided in Des Moines for a short time until they moved to Urbandale. Together they had four children.

She later held secretarial roles at Federal Home Loan Bank and Architects Wells Woodburn O’Neil. She enjoyed her work, but she especially enjoyed dressing up for work. She and Al worked hard and were frugal in their spending. She was known for finding good bargains, and boy, was she well known at Younkers Department store. She did so much shopping there, she was honored with receiving a brick from their building at Merle Hay Mall when it was torn down.

Helen enjoyed traveling, vacationing in Ft. Myers Beach, FL, dancing, trying new restaurants, golfing, boating, practicing her faith, spending time with family and friends, and chocolate.

Helen is survived by her son, Bill (Ginger) Dutemple of New Virginia, Iowa; daughter, Beth (Jeff) Welch of Mount Vernon, Iowa; daughter-in-law LeLoie Dutemple of West Des Moines, Iowa; her grandchildren, Christopher Welch of Neenah, Wisconsin; Connor (Madison) Welch of Kodiak, Alaska; Garrett Welch of Denver, Colorado; Natalie Welch of Anamosa, Iowa; her great-grandchildren, Huxleigh, Stella, and Luca Welch, and many relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; sons, Jerry and Greg Dutemple and siblings, Kay Fox, Earl “Toad” Fox, Creighton “Chic” Fox, Bill Fox, Margie Brandl, and Jennie Mae Nelson.

Visitation will be held from 5-7pm, Thursday, August 15, 2024 at at Iles Westover Chapel followed by a Vigil Service beginning at 7pm. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 2pm, Friday, August 16, 2024 at St. Pius X Catholic Church. Interment will be at Glendale Cemetery.

Memorials may be directed to St. Jude Children’s Hospital.

The family would like to thank St. Croix Hospice and Deerfield Retirement Community Center for the care and support they provided.

Online Condolences are welcome at www.IlesCares.com.

Arrangements by Iles Westover Chapel.