Helen Leachman Obituary

Helen Maxine (Smith) Leachman, 104, of Strawberry Point, Iowa, passed away peacefully on Sunday, June 22, 2025, at her home in the Strawberry Point Lutheran Home. She enjoyed 104 years living in the Dundee and Strawberry Point area. Helen was born at home on August 17,1920, during the summer Backbone State Park was dedicated, a couple of miles away from her parent's farm. She joined the William and Bessie (Sherwin) Smith family with sisters, Gladys, Ruby, Eveah and brother Warren. Backbone and Forestville Beach area were special places for her throughout her life.
Her sisters were much older and teaching in nearby country schools. By the time she was four she was riding in a horse and buggy with her sisters to attend their schools. During the winter her father taught her at home. This fostered a love for learning and teaching. Helen attended school in Dundee and then transferred to Strawberry Point High School to get her education classes. At 17, she wasn't old enough to teach yet so she attended Iowa State Teacher's College (now UNI) and later took classes at Upper Iowa in Fayette.
Helen met Bill Leachman in 1946. He came to Strawberry Point after serving in the South Pacific during World War II, to join his brother in the Leachman Lumber Yard. Fortunately, Helen lived with her parents across the street from the Leachman's. They were married in February, 1947. Helen taught in country schools, one near Backbone Golf Course and at other locations. After her marriage she devoted her time to her family, church, and her community. She enjoyed teaching kindergarten Sunday School class for many years along with Vacation Bible School. Helen was very active in the community. She was a member of the United Methodist Church, the United Methodist Church Women, P.E.O. and Eastern Star for over 60 years. Helen served on the Strawberry Point Museum Board, the Lutheran Home Board and helped with the Meals on Wheels. She was a member of the Mayflower Society and DAR of Strawberry Point.
Before his death in 1982, the couple took numerous RV camper trips to Alaska to fish with their son Park. She was fortunate to have a couple of women companions to continue her travels. Helen enjoyed her trips across the United States, Europe, Australia, South America, Finland and Africa including a memorable hot air balloon ride over the Serengeti. She also enjoyed sewing, quilting, and a variety of handiwork. Helen enjoyed feeding birds, gardening, and canning. Helen was a great cook and made awesome pies. She most of all enjoyed spending time with her family and took pride in their accomplishments.
Survivors include her two children, Park (Cheri) Leachman of Harper's Ferry and Harriet (Brandt) Echternacht of Iowa City; three grandchildren, Lindsey (Brian) Fuhrmeister, Jessica Echternacht, and Heidi Echternacht; step grandchild, Wayne Pugh; and two greatgrandchildren, Lucille and Lukas Fuhrmeister; and her nieces and nephews.
Helen was preceded in death by her parents, her husband of thirty-five years, Bill; and her siblings, Gladys (Clyde) Cree, Ruby (Paul) Kramer, Eveah (Dean) Sauerbry and Warren (Irene) Smith.
The family requests that memorials be directed to Strawberry Point United Methodist Church.
Helen's family would like to thank the Strawberry Point Lutheran Home and St. Croix Hospice for their wonderful care of their mother.
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