Helen A. Ricklefs, 83, of Baldwin, Iowa, died unexpectedly on Friday, December 26, 2025, at home.

Helen Anna Welch was born on October 25, 1942 in Sterling, Iowa, to Marshall and Anna (Henrichsen) Welch.  She attended country school near Green Island, and then Sabula Public Schools.

In earlier years, Helen had worked at the Sabula Speaker Factory.  Later in life, she found her calling in childcare, becoming a trusted babysitter to over 100 children. Her nurturing spirit and warm heart left a lasting impact on the many lives she touched.

Helen enjoyed knitting, old movies on television, and going for rides and traveling in the convertible with Loren. She especially loved spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

She is survived by a son, Terry Ricklefs of Baldwin, IA; 6 grandchildren including, Roy (Ashlee), Amy, Cody, and Tyler; 5 great-grandchildren; brothers, Vernon Welch of Green Island, IA, and Ronald Welch of Sabula, IA; and a sister, Marie Wyant of Clinton, IA; and her boyfriend, Loren “Honda Pete” Petersen of Baldwin, IA.  She was preceded in death by her parents, daughter Tammy Riordan, brothers Eugene and Don Welch, and a sister Ruth Macy.

A luncheon (potluck style) celebrating her life will be held from 11:30 A.M. to 1:30 P.M., Thursday, January 8, 2026, at at the VFW in Sabula.  A private family burial will be held at th Evergreen Cemetery, Sabula, Iowa.  At Peace Cremation Services have been provided by Carson Celebration of Life Center in Maquoketa.  Online condolences may be left at www.CarsonAndSon.com.