Helen M. Bextermueller

Helen Margaret Bextermueller, 83, of Ocala departed this life on the morning of Thursday, Oct. 22, 2009, after a short illness at a Sioux City hospital.

Abiding by family wishes, cremation has taken place. A memorial Mass will be 10:30 a.m. Saturday, October 31, 2009 at Queen of Peace Catholic Church in Ocala, with the Rev. Alex Panakal as celebrant and continued fellowship with a luncheon will follow at the Top of the World Ballroom. A private family burial will at Florida National Cemetery in Bushnell, Fla. Meyer Brothers Colonial Chapel is assisting the family with arrangements.

Helen was born Feb. 14, 1926. in West Alton, Mo., to William and Marie Eilers.

Helen married Lawrence Bextermueller on May 5, 1951. He preceded her in death in 1995. In addition to being a devoted mother and housewife, Helen worked outside the home at McDonnell Douglas Corporation. She retired in the late 1980s.

She enjoyed visiting her children and grandchildren, was an avid golfer, and world traveler. She was a devoted member of Queen of Peace Catholic Church.

Helen is survived by her children, Beverly (Jim) Wharton of Sioux City, Jim (Beth) Bextermueller of Cincinnati, Ohio, and Ken (Debbie) Bextermueller of Cabot, Ark.; grandchildren, Laura (Bobby) Giese and Kristen, Ross, Maria and Rachel Bextermueller; great-grandson, Cal Giese; brother, Charles Eilers of St. Charles, Mo.; sisters, Ethyl Simon of Portage des Sioux, Mo., Ruth Orf of St. Charles, Mo., and June Dickbernd of Ocala, Fla.

In addition to her parents and husband, Helen was preceded in death by her brother, William Eilers Jr.

The family wishes to thank the doctors and nurses of Mercy Medical Center in Sioux City for their loving and compassionate care.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials to be made to the student scholarship fund at Briar Cliff University, 3303 Rebecca Street, Sioux City, IA. 51104.