Funeral services were held Dec. 27 at St Joseph Catholic Church in Jefferson for Eileen Maree Perkins, 95, of Panora, formerly of Jefferson.
Father John Gerald, pastor of the church, and Msgr Kevin McCoy of Holy Trinity Church in Fort Dodge, concelebrated Mass of the Resurrection. Music was provided by soloist Sheilah Pound, accompanied by Lois Last.
Casket bearers were Randy Wittrock, Denny Healy, Mike Healy, Kelly Acob, Chris Perkins and Hunter Soreide. Interment was at Calvary Cemetery in Pocahontas.
Eileen Maree Perkins was born February 14, 1924, in Fort Dodge, the daughter of Clarence and Ann (Sinek) Claussen. She went to heaven on December 20, 2019, to help celebrate the birth of Jesus after having received phone calls from each of her sons, Kelly, Chris, and with her daughters by her side.
Eileen grew up in Fort Dodge. She attended Sacred Heart Elementary School, Corpus Christi Academy, and then transferred to Fort Dodge Public High School for her final two years in order to obtain business education classes. She was graduated from Fort Dodge High School on May 28, 1942.
Eileen was employed with Mercy Hospital as a transcriber in the operating room, a secretary with the Fort Dodge Lab, Kelly Insurance, and Fort Dodge Telephone Company before her marriage to Carroll T. Perkins on July 20, 1949, in Fort Dodge.
The most important thing in Eileen’s life were her children. She was a Cub Scout and Boy Scout leader for the three boys, and was a homeroom mother for each of the children when they were in grade school, rotating for a different child each year.
Eileen treasured the years she raised her family and the opportunity she had to be such a significant part of their formative years. She unconditionally loved each of her children and grandchildren.
She believed in healthy living and passed that onto her children. Frequently after dinner, Eileen would take the children on a walk around the section (four miles), stopping to visit with neighbors and taking in the nature sights. Many summer days Eileen and her children could be found at the timber exploring through hikes, playing in the creeks and culverts, bird watching, and other forms of nature.
Following the raising of her family, Eileen returned to volunteer work as a “Pink Lady” at the Greene County Hospital and became employed by Genesis as the sales representative for their ceramic shop. Eileen was then employed for several years as a cook with the Jefferson Community Schools.
Eileen was a volunteer, through and through, giving many hours of help to the church or any organization that she was involved with. Eileen was a member of St Joseph Catholic Church and the Catholic Daughters of America (CDA). She had recently been recognized as a past grand regent. She was also involved with Iowa Public Television, and the Greene County Extension home economics committee.
Eileen enjoyed spending time with her family and friends, reading, taking long walks, her church, and life in general. Eileen was forever the hostess, offering food and drink to family and friends visiting her. She especially liked to offer ice cream and have some herself. If asked if she would like some ice cream, she would usually reply with a twinkle in her eye “Ooh, ice cream. That sounds good!”
Eileen will be missed by her family and friends. She had a gentle smile and quick wit about her that will not soon be forgotten. When dealt with a challenge, she would say “Not much one can do about it”. Eileen successfully overcame so many obstacles in her life, and never complained. Eileen’s faith was a large part of her life. She served her Lord as a good and faithful servant. Our loss is heaven’s gain. She will be deeply missed, but take comfort knowing she is with her Lord and savior shining down on us.
Eileen is survived by her children David (Mel) of Henryville, IN, Daniel of Lake Chapala, Mexico, Timothy of Paris, France, Mary Ellen Perkins (Gary Soreide) of Lake Panorama, and Jane Healy of Jefferson; grandchildren Kelly Acob (Scott), Chris Perkins, Matt Soreide, Eryn Wolf (Ken), Mike Healy (Angie), and Denny Healy; great-grandchildren Tyler Soreide, Hunter Soreide, Charlotte Wolf, Caroline Wolf, Haddie Healy, and Avery Healy; sister-in-law Fran Claussen; and niece Claire Liseth. She was preceded in death by her parents, brother Clarence Claussen (Junior), and her son-in-law Tim Healy.
The family was assisted by Slininger-Schroeder Funeral Home of Jefferson.
