Helen Macmasters

Helen MacMasters, age 83, of Decorah IA, died Thursday, April 11, 2013 at the Ossian Senior Hospice in Ossian IA. Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 am Saturday, April 13, at the St. Benedict’s Catholic Church, 307 West Main St. Father Philip Gibbs will be presiding. Burial will be held at Phelps Cemetery. Friends may call from 4:00-7:00 p.m., on Friday and from 9:00-10:00 a.m., Saturday morning at the Schluter – Balik Funeral Home in Decorah. Helen (Riha) MacMasters was born on December 12, 1929, the daughter of Joseph and Mary (Neuzil) Riha on the family farm near Fort Atkinson, Iowa. Helen worked for Dr. Edward MacMasters, a local Optometrist and met her future husband, Gordon. They were married on May 19, 1969, in Las Vegas, Nevada. Over the years, Gordie played the “saw” and Helen sold recordings of his music. Helen enjoyed traveling, gardening, cooking, entertaining and tending to her flower beds. Helen is survived by one brother, Clarence Riha, Ft. Atkinson, IA, and many nieces and nephews. Helen was preceded in death by her parents: Joseph and Mary Riha. Husband: Gordon MacMasters on February 9, 2006. Six sisters: Clara Riha, Lillian (Robert) Polashek, Georgina (Julius) Novak, Mary (Felix) Wenthold, Angela (Dean) Fortney, and Josephine (Louverne) Huinker. Two brothers: George and Joseph Riha.