Helen Zemlicka Fless, 102, of Ft. Madison, IA, passed away on Friday, December 19, 2025 at 5:58 AM at the West Point Care Center.
She was born on March 27, 1923 near LaHarpe, IL to Peter and Blanche Rhea Hyhouse. On November 8, 1943 she married Jerome “Jerry” Zemlicka in West Palm Beach, FL and he passed away on January 25, 1997. She then married Paul Fless on January 30, 2010 and he preceded her in death on October 23, 2013. Helen was a member of Holy Family Parish and the Altar and Rosary Society and a longtime member of NARVE. She enjoyed antiquing, baking and was an avid Chicago Cubs fan. Most of all, Helen enjoyed spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Survivors include two daughters JoAnn Thurston of Ft. Madison and Barbara (Daniel) Konop of Green Bay, WI; two sons, Jim Zemlicka of Ft. Madison and Ted Zemlicka of West Point; grandchildren Andy Zemlicka, Ashleigh (Matt) Farris, Betsy (Morgen) Konop, Jenny Konop, Laura (Tim) Bisner, Kim (Marco) Galindo, Brady (Stefanie) Drollinger, Leith (Arpi) Drollinger; eleven great grandchildren; step children, Kimberly (Michael Hanson) Fless of Arizona.
She was preceded in death by her parents; both husbands; one son, John Zemlicka; a sister, Mary Williams; son in law, Roger Thurston and daughters in law, Judy Zemlicka and Pat Zemlicka; a grandson Chris Wolfskill and stepson, Mark Fless.
The funeral mass will be held on Monday, December 22, 2025 at 1:30 PM at Sacred Heart Church with Rev. Gary Beckman officiating. The family will meet with friends from 12:30 PM until the time of the service at the church. Burial will be in Sacred Heart Cemetery.
A memorial has been established for Holy Family Parish and online condolences may be left at www.kinglynk.com.
