Helen Marie (Ballard) Plotz, 30 Oct 1935 - 07 Jul 2026

PLOTZ, BALLARD, WHITFIELD, COSTIGAN

Posted By: Sarah Witte (email)
Date: 7/15/2026 at 13:36:08

Helen Marie Plotz was born October 30, 1935, in Iowa County, Iowa, the daughter of James and Esther (Whitfield) Ballard. She graduated from Norway High School in 1954. Helen was united in marriage to Parlyn Matthew Plotz on June 13, 1955, at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Marengo. She worked at Landmark in Williamsburg and a few gift shops in Amana. Helen spent a lot of time outside on their farm gardening, mowing, and milking cows. In her younger years, she and Parlyn enjoyed going dancing. She was a member of St. Patrick’s Catholic Church. Helen died on Tuesday, July 7, 2026, at her home surrounded by her children, at the age of 90 years.

She is survived by her son, Mark (Teresa) Plotz of Marengo; daughter, Lisa Costigan of Marengo; granddaughter, Megan Plotz of Cedar Rapids; grandson, Casey Costigan of Marengo; and brother Richard Ballard of Williamsburg. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband in 2025, and her siblings, Edmund, Harry, LeRoy, Irene Frimml, Estelle Kensler, Bob, Jim, and Althon Leon and Joseph Eugene in infancy.

Mass of Christian Burial will be 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, July 14, 2026, at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Marengo. Burial will be at the Calvary Cemetery. Visitation will be Monday, July 13, 2026, from 5:00-7:00 p.m. at Powell Funeral Home in Marengo. A rosary service will begin at 4:30 p.m. A general memorial fund has been established. Powell Funeral Home and Cremation Service in Marengo is caring for Helen and her family.

Published in The Gazette on July 11, 2026 and in The Hometown Current on July 15, 2026.