Obituary of Elnora Kernen

Survivors include her granddaughter Penny Picray of Monticello, 2 grandsons: Tom (Elizabeth) Picray of Middletown, OH and Jerry (Laurie Kotz) Picray of Farley, IA, a sister Roberta Helgens of Monticello, a son-in-law, Eugene Picray of Monticello, a sister-in-law, Elaine Helgens of Monticello and several great-grandchildren: Christina Picray, John Picray, Sarah Kelly, Evan Picray, Katherine Picray, Nathan and Kent Deutmeyer, a great-great granddaughter, Zoiie Picray and her companion, Ron Wallace of Monticello. She was preceded in death by her husband Raymond, her daughter Peggy Picray, a great-granddaughter, Amy Jean Sisson, a sister, Marie Hoffmann and a brother, Raymond Helgens. Elnora was born on September 29, 1926 in Scotch Grove, Iowa, the daughter of Reinhard and Gesina (Leesekamp) Helgens. She married Raymond Kernen on December 5, 1943 and together they farmed North of Monticello where she helped Ray with his welding business. She also worked at Lewis Systems in Monticello for many years as a machine operator. Elnora enjoyed baking, especially cookies, music and her country life.