Helga Kennedy

Helga Kennedy, 87, of Story City, Iowa, passed away on Thursday, January 29, 2026, at Southfield Wellness Community in Webster City, Iowa. A visitation will be held at Boman Funeral Home (www.bomanfh.com) in Webster City from 12:00–1:15 p.m. on Friday, February 6, 2026, followed by her funeral service at 1:30 p.m.

Helga was born on May 1, 1938, at Hamilton County Hospital in Webster City to Berg Oppedal and Austrid Amanda Oppedal. She spent nearly her entire life west of Randall, Iowa, where she grew up, attended Randall High School, and graduated with the Class of 1956. After graduation, she spent a memorable summer in Norway visiting relatives and exploring her family’s heritage. Upon returning home, she attended and graduated from Waldorf College before beginning her career in Webster City.

On June 14, 1959, Helga married Gary Kennedy, and together they built a life rooted in family, hard work, and community. They raised their children while farming for 26 years, creating a home filled with love, laughter, and the steady rhythm of rural life.  They moved to Story City in 1986.

Helga was widely known for her extraordinary talent and lifelong devotion to rosemaling. She taught the art form through Iowa Central Community College for more than 25 years and practiced it for over 50 years. Her passion led her to open Helga’s Rosemaling in Story City, where her creativity flourished. Whether she was holding a paintbrush or sketching a new pattern, rosemaling was her joy, her craft, and her signature.

Beyond her artistic gifts, Helga was blessed with a rich and fulfilling life. Her happiest moments were spent with her family—watching her children and grandchildren grow, enjoying time at the lake, and gathering around a crowded table for spirited card games. Her warmth, humor, and gentle spirit touched everyone who knew her.

Helga is survived by her children: J.B. Kennedy and Marlene (Tracy) Ihle; and her grandchildren: Raymond Kennedy, Megan (Taylor) Ashworth, Rachel Kennedy, Benjamin Kennedy, and Amanda Ihle.

Her legacy lives on in her family, her artwork, and the countless lives she brightened with her kindness and creativity.