A Mass of Christian Burial for Mary Helen Feldman was held on Monday, March 31, 2025 at Holy Family Catholic Church in Emmetsburg, Iowa. Interment was at Calvary Cemetery in Ruthven, Iowa.’
Mary Helen Hand Feldman, age 89, passed away peacefully, surrounded by her loving family, on March 25, 2025. She was born on January 11, 1936, to Robert Melvin and Mary Madeline Coyne Hand, the fifth of six children. Mary Helen was baptized, confirmed, and later married in St. Thomas Catholic Church in Emmetsburg, Iowa, where her faith and family played a central role throughout her life.
Mary Helen attended St. Ellen's School through eighth grade and then Emmetsburg High School before marrying John Paul "Jack" Feldman in 1953. Together, they raised nine children on their farm near Ruthven, Iowa, until Jack’s passing in 1969. In 1984, Mary Helen moved with her family to her childhood home in Emmetsburg, where she continued to create a loving environment for her children and grandchildren.
After earning a bachelor’s degree in education from Buena Vista College in Storm Lake in 1973, Mary Helen dedicated her career to teaching. She taught secondary social studies for the Mallard school system for a year before taking a position at Iowa Lakes Community College as Coordinator of Project Learning, a program in the Special Needs Department. She served in this role for 25 years until her retirement in 1998.
A passionate writer, Mary Helen began contributing to the Fort Dodge Messenger in 1983, writing her “Random Thoughts” column. She also had articles published in various magazines and served on the Emmetsburg Library Board. Her love of family and community was an integral part of her life.
More than anything, Mary Helen was a devoted mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She enjoyed attending all the sporting events and school activities that her children and grandchildren took part in. Her greatest joy in life was the time spent with family. Her children and grandchildren cherished visits to “Grandma Mary's house.” She instilled in them the importance of family, love, and faith.
Mary Helen’s deep love for her family will live on in the many lives she touched. She is survived by her children: Mike (Mary) Feldman of Ruthven, Tom (Rhonda) Feldman of Carroll, Theresa (Ron) Eick of Terril, Jim (Cindy) Feldman of Fostoria, Jenny (Ken) Murray of North Liberty, Katy Foley of Largo, Florida, and Barb (Dan) Mullenbach of Urbandale; as well as numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and extended family.
She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Jack Feldman; her siblings: Elizabeth Lang, Patrick Hand, Richard Hand, Sheila Farrell, and William Hand; and by her daughter, Maureen Burke, and son, Kevin Kelly Feldman.
Mary Helen’s legacy of love, devotion, and faith will live on through her family and all who had the privilege of knowing her. She will be dearly missed by all.
God bless America, and God bless you all.
Arrangements by Martin-Mattice Funeral Home
martinmatticefuneralhome.com
