- Born on: June 14, 1936
- Departed on: July 6, 2026
- Resided in: Waukon, IA
Helga Juanita Beard
Helga Juanita Beard passed away on July 6, 2026, leaving behind a lifetime of treasured memories, family traditions, and stories that will forever be cherished by those who knew and loved her.
Born on June 14, 1936, in Waterloo, Iowa, Helga was the daughter of John and Erna Schwab and grew up alongside her two older brothers, Ralph and Gill. After graduating from high school, she began her career as a secretary for a construction company. It was there that she met Lawrence "Larry" Beard, and after they married, Helga devoted herself to raising their family as a stay-at-home mother. As her children grew older, she returned to work part-time in sales at Sears, later continuing her career at Slumberland, where she enjoyed helping customers.
Helga found happiness in life's quieter moments. She was an avid reader and a true bookworm, rarely without another novel waiting to be read. She enjoyed watching movies, creating beautiful needlepoint, and spending peaceful afternoons at home.
She also had a passion for travel and was fortunate to explore many corners of the world. Her journeys took her to China, Italy, Russia, Holland, Germany, Israel, and many other destinations. Venice held a special place in her heart, and she often said that walking through its canals felt like stepping into a movie. Standing atop the Great Wall of China was another experience she treasured deeply. Traveling allowed her to experience different cultures, history, and places that remained close to her heart throughout her life.
Helga had a special gift in the kitchen. She was an excellent cook and an exceptional baker whose recipes became treasured family favorites. Her strawberry cake, peanut butter cookies, and quiche Lorraine were requested time and time again and will always be remembered with love. She expressed her care through the meals and desserts she lovingly prepared, creating traditions that will continue for generations.
Above all else, Helga treasured her family. She is survived by her children, Sheri Mealhouse, Rory Dean Davis, and Bradley Beard; her beloved granddaughters, Irelyn Davis and Michaela Beard; and many extended family members and friends whose lives she touched throughout the years.
Helga's life was filled with stories—those she read, those she experienced while traveling the world, and those she created with her family. She will be remembered for her quiet nature, her love of books, her adventurous spirit, and the traditions she created through baking, family meals, and time spent together.
Though our hearts are heavy, we find comfort in the memories she leaves behind. Her favorite recipes will continue to be baked, her books will continue to be read, and the stories of her travels will continue to be shared for generations to come.
Helga will be deeply missed, forever loved, and never forgotten.
Born on June 14, 1936, in Waterloo, Iowa, Helga was the daughter of John and Erna Schwab and grew up alongside her two older brothers, Ralph and Gill. After graduating from high school, she began her career as a secretary for a construction company. It was there that she met Lawrence "Larry" Beard, and after they married, Helga devoted herself to raising their family as a stay-at-home mother. As her children grew older, she returned to work part-time in sales at Sears, later continuing her career at Slumberland, where she enjoyed helping customers.
Helga found happiness in life's quieter moments. She was an avid reader and a true bookworm, rarely without another novel waiting to be read. She enjoyed watching movies, creating beautiful needlepoint, and spending peaceful afternoons at home.
She also had a passion for travel and was fortunate to explore many corners of the world. Her journeys took her to China, Italy, Russia, Holland, Germany, Israel, and many other destinations. Venice held a special place in her heart, and she often said that walking through its canals felt like stepping into a movie. Standing atop the Great Wall of China was another experience she treasured deeply. Traveling allowed her to experience different cultures, history, and places that remained close to her heart throughout her life.
Helga had a special gift in the kitchen. She was an excellent cook and an exceptional baker whose recipes became treasured family favorites. Her strawberry cake, peanut butter cookies, and quiche Lorraine were requested time and time again and will always be remembered with love. She expressed her care through the meals and desserts she lovingly prepared, creating traditions that will continue for generations.
Above all else, Helga treasured her family. She is survived by her children, Sheri Mealhouse, Rory Dean Davis, and Bradley Beard; her beloved granddaughters, Irelyn Davis and Michaela Beard; and many extended family members and friends whose lives she touched throughout the years.
Helga's life was filled with stories—those she read, those she experienced while traveling the world, and those she created with her family. She will be remembered for her quiet nature, her love of books, her adventurous spirit, and the traditions she created through baking, family meals, and time spent together.
Though our hearts are heavy, we find comfort in the memories she leaves behind. Her favorite recipes will continue to be baked, her books will continue to be read, and the stories of her travels will continue to be shared for generations to come.
Helga will be deeply missed, forever loved, and never forgotten.
