Helen Edith Hood Strohbehn was born in Chadron on September 6th, 1917, to Katie Richardson Stumpf Hood and Fred Hood, who came to Chadron from Chicago, married Katie Hood, and later became an insurance agent and justice of the peace. Helen had four brothers, Rod, John, Ted, and David, all now deceased. She attended the Municipal University of Omaha, now the University of Nebraska at Omaha. While studying nursing there, she met Earl Strohbehn, a student from Iowa and a talented athlete. She married Earl, and they adopted two children, Jon and Jan. Earl eventually became a Professor of Education at San Jose State. Helen earned a Master of Public Health degree and worked as a nurse and a teacher. She particularly enjoyed traveling and making music and art, especially painting, needlepoint, and quilting. After Earl passed away in 1989, Helen lived in San Jose, California and Mesa, Arizona. She is survived by her son, Jon Strohbehn, her daughter, Jan Russell, and three grandchildren: Katherine Uhte-Strohbehn, Carl Uhte-Strohbehn, and Leo Iocono. Helen suffered a stroke on December 9th, 2012 and passed away on Tuesday, December 18th, 2012 at home in San Jose with her family around her.
A memorial service will be held at Chamberlain Chapel in Chadron at 10:00 AM Saturday, January 5, 2013 with Dr. Russ Seger officiating. Burial will be at the Whitney Community Cemetery.
A memorial has been established. Donations may be sent to Chamberlain Chapel, PO Box 970, Chadron, NE 69337
Online condolences can be made at www.chamberlainchapel.com
Chamberlain Chapel of Chadron is in charge of arrangements.