Helen Elaine Modlin

Helen E. Modlin, 95, of Conrad, formerly of Grundy Center, passed away on Monday, June 8, 2026, at Westbrook Acres Nursing Home in Gladbrook. She was born in Tripoli, Iowa, on November 16, 1930, the daughter of John and Myrtle (McMullen) Roark. Helen attended St. Patrick Catholic School and graduated from Cedar Falls High School in 1948. On January 7, 1950, Helen married Dale Modlin at the Little Brown Church in Nashua. They started farming and milking Guernsey cattle in 1951 on their farm south of Grundy Center, and continued farming until 1965. Helen worked as a secretary for the Spokesman Press and Collectors News for 28 years before her retirement in 1995, when she focused on taking care of the home. Helen and Dale shared 75 years of marriage before his death on July 30, 2025.

Helen enjoyed flower gardening, reading, and traveling. She was an excellent cook and quilt-sewer, and all of her immediate family has one of her beautiful quilts. Helen was a longtime member of Sunset Rebecca Lodge and Grundy Center Methodist church. She also enjoyed volunteering her time and was awarded the Governor’s Award for her efforts. During the winter months, Helen and Dale traveled to their second home in Apache Junction, AZ, where they were snowbirds for 15 seasons. What Helen loved most was her family and attending her grandchildren and great-grandchildren’s events.

Helen is survived by her son, Dennis (Barb) Modlin of Gladbrook; two grandchildren, Megan (Josh) Johnson of Muscatine and Matthew Modlin of Cedar Falls; three great-grandchildren, Ava, Isabella and Hanna Johnson; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Dale Modlin; daughter, Connie Myers; three sisters, Kathryn Minikus, Margaret Butler and Mary Teresa Hagberg; and two brothers, John Roark, Jr. and Kenneth O’Roark.

A celebration of Helen’s life will be held at 11am, Thursday, June 18, 2026, at Cornerstone Methodist Church (707 6th St, Grundy Center, IA 50638), with visitation an hour prior. Please join the family for a reception immediately following the service at the church. A private inurnment will be held later. In lieu of flowers, please direct memorial contributions Cedar Valley Hospice or Cornerstone Methodist Church.

Please visit www.dahlfuneralhome.com to share condolences with the family.