Sandra Ann Helmer, the daughter of Louis and Opal (Ritnour) Wilson was born November 20, 1937 in Red Oak, Iowa. She passed away on Saturday, May 22, 2021 at her home in Red Oak, Iowa, at the age of 83 years, 6 months and 2 days.

Sandra was raised in Red Oak. She graduated from Red Oak High School in 1954 and attended Commercial Extension College in Omaha, Nebraska. Sandra was united in marriage to John Frederick Carlson on April 1, 1955, in Red Oak. They moved to Sidney, Iowa, in 1965, and then in 1974, moved to Harlan, Iowa, where she worked as a secretary. Fred and Sandra made Red Oak their home in 1996. Sandra then worked for CDS in Red Oak for a number of years. After the passing of Fred in 2000, Sandra was united in marriage to Ronald Helmer in 2002. Sandra enjoyed reading, playing the piano, embroidering, quilting, gardening, and always had a smile on her face. She was a past member of the Red Hat Society, Order of Eastern Star and Eagles Lodge Auxiliary.

Sandra was preceded in death by her parents; husbands: Fred Carlson on September 3, 2000 and Ronald Helmer on May 13, 2021; daughter, Ruth Moore; grandson, John; and brothers: Gene and Richard.

Sandra is survived by three children: J. Timothy Carlson of Stonington, Connecticut, Phillip Carlson of Palmyra, New Jersey, and Kristine Mason of San Antonio, Texas; 8 grandchildren: Justin (Ann) Conrad, Lance (Larissa) Conrad, Megan (JW) Sorensen, Nikki Carlson, Dustin Carlson, Johnathon (Kayla) Sanchez, Vanessa Sanchez, and Marc Sanchez; 11 great-grandchildren; other relatives and friends.

May God bless her memory and give strength to those who mourn.

Funeral service will be held

Tuesday, June 1, 2021 at 2:00 p.m.

At Sellergren-Lindell-DeMarce Funeral Home, Red Oak, Iowa

Burial in Evergreen Cemetery, Red Oak, Iowa

Visitation with the family on Tuesday, June 1, 2021 at Sellergren-Lindell-DeMarce Funeral Home from 12:30 p.m. until service time at 2:00 p.m.

Memorials may be directed to the Red Oak Public Library or St. Croix Hospice.

Sellergren-Lindell-DeMarce Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.