Curator: Prof. Elena Rostova Date: 2/5/2026 Dept: Visual Arts & Sciences

HELMS FUNERAL HOME

Welcome to the world of Helms Funeral Home, a dedicated and compassionate service provider in the funeral industry. This introduction aims to shed light on the significance of their work and the impact they have on communities.

Funeral homes play a vital role in honoring the deceased and providing support to the living. They are places where memories are cherished, and traditions are upheld. At the heart of this lies the commitment to excellence and empathy that Helms Funeral Home embodies.

One of the key benefits of engaging with Helms Funeral Home is the assurance of a personalized and dignified farewell. They understand that every life is unique, and every farewell should reflect that. By offering tailored services, they ensure that the process is not only professional but also deeply respectful and meaningful.

Supplementary Figures

Fig 1. Helms Funeral Homes & Cremation Service Obituaries

Inside the funeral home, a close-up of a vintage typewriter. The room is dimly lit, with a single candle flickering in the corner. The typewriter's keys are being gently struck, creating a soft, rhythmic sound. A heartfelt letter is being crafted, capturing memories.

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Fig 2. Helms Funeral Homes & Cremation Service Obituaries

A vibrant, colorful mural adorning the walls of the funeral home's garden. The artwork depicts a serene landscape with a river and lush trees. Birds fly freely, symbolizing freedom and the beauty of life. A peaceful haven for reflection and remembrance.

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Fig 3. Helms Funeral Home - Decorah Area Chamber of Commerce

A grand, ornate chandelier hanging from the high ceiling of the funeral home's main hall. The crystal prisms shimmer, casting a dazzling display of light. The chandelier's intricate design adds a touch of elegance and sophistication to the somber atmosphere.

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Fig 4. Helms Funeral Homes & Cremation Service Obituaries

A lone violin player, dressed in black, performs a haunting melody in the funeral home's chapel. The soft, mournful music fills the room, evoking deep emotions. The player's bow glides gracefully across the strings, creating a powerful and moving atmosphere.

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Fig 5. Helms Funeral Homes & Cremation Service Obituaries

A close-up of a hand gently placing a single red rose on a grave marker. The marker is adorned with intricate carvings and a weathered headstone. The rose symbolizes love and remembrance, adding a touch of warmth to the solemn setting.

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Fig 6. Helms Funeral Home - Decorah Obituaries & Services In Decorah, Ia

A group of friends, dressed in matching black t-shirts, stand together outside the funeral home. Their arms are linked, forming a circle of support. The t-shirts bear a unique design, representing a shared memory and a bond that endures.

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Fig 7. Helms Funeral Home

A vintage photograph displayed on a wooden easel. The image captures a joyful family gathering, filled with laughter and love. It serves as a reminder of the life celebrated and the memories cherished, offering comfort to mourners.

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Fig 8. Image

A serene garden scene with a stone bench surrounded by blooming flowers. The bench is engraved with a meaningful quote. The peaceful atmosphere invites reflection and provides a quiet space for contemplation and remembrance.

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Fig 9. Helms Funeral Home - Decorah Obituaries & Services In Decorah, Ia

A close-up of a hand holding a small, delicate glass vase filled with wildflowers. The vase is a keepsake from a loved one's funeral. The flowers symbolize the fragility and beauty of life, offering a comforting presence.

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Fig 10. Helms Funeral Home - Decorah Obituaries & Services In Decorah, Ia

A large, ornate mirror reflects the somber atmosphere of the funeral home's lobby. The mirror's frame is intricately carved, adding a touch of elegance. It creates a sense of depth and introspection, allowing mourners to reflect on their journey.

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Fig 11. Paul Hageman Obituary (2025) - Decorah, IA - Helms Funeral Home ...

A soft, glowing candlelight illuminates the funeral home's chapel. The candles are arranged in a circle, creating a warm and inviting ambiance. The flickering flames symbolize the enduring flame of memory and the warmth of loved ones.

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Fig 12. Helms Funeral Home - Decorah Obituaries & Services In Decorah, Ia

A vintage car, adorned with black ribbons and flowers, waits outside the funeral home. The car's engine idles softly, adding to the sense of anticipation. It represents the journey of life and the final farewell.

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Fig 13. Local Navy Servicemember Honored with Processional Through Decorah ...

A close-up of a hand writing in a journal, capturing memories of a loved one. The journal is filled with handwritten notes and mementos. The act of writing provides solace and a way to honor the life lived.

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Fig 14. Image

A vibrant, abstract painting hangs in the funeral home's art gallery. The colors and shapes evoke emotions and memories. It serves as a reminder that life is a tapestry of experiences, both joyful and sorrowful.

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Fig 15. Timothy "Mel" Kuennen Obituary (2025) - Decorah, IA - Helms Funeral ...

A peaceful pond with a wooden bridge crossing it. The bridge is adorned with lanterns, creating a magical atmosphere. The scene symbolizes the transition from life to the afterlife, offering a sense of tranquility.

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Fig 16. Donna Lechtenberg Obituary (2025) - Decorah, IA - Helms Funeral Home ...

A group of children playing with colorful balloons in the funeral home's garden. The balloons float gently in the breeze, adding a touch of joy to the somber setting. Laughter and innocence bring a moment of lightheartedness.

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Fig 17. Lucille Smock Obituary (2025) - Decorah, IA - Helms Funeral Home - Decorah

A close-up of a hand holding a small, intricate locket. The locket opens to reveal a cherished photograph. The locket symbolizes the enduring love and memories, a constant reminder of the loved one.

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Fig 18. Elwyn "Jr." Dotzenrod Obituary (2025) - Decorah, IA - Helms Funeral ...

A grand piano, beautifully tuned, sits in the funeral home's grand hall. The keys are gently caressed, producing a soft, melodic tune. Music becomes a powerful tool for expression and remembrance.

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Fig 19. Derald Tieskoetter Obituary (2024) - Decorah, IA - Helms Funeral Home ...

A vintage camera, its lens capturing a moment in time. The camera is placed on a wooden table, surrounded by old photographs. It represents the art of preserving memories and the power of visual storytelling.

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Fig 20. Eileen Murphy Bruening Obituary (2019) - Decorah, IA - Helms Funeral ...

A serene beach scene with a lone figure walking towards the horizon. The setting sun paints the sky with warm hues. The image evokes a sense of peace and the beauty of life's journey.

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Fig 21. Paul Hageman Obituary (2025) - Decorah, IA - Helms Funeral Home ...

A close-up of a hand holding a small, delicate feather. The feather is a symbol of freedom and the soul's journey. It offers a comforting presence and a reminder of the loved one's spirit.

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Fig 22. Keith Bakken Obituary (2025) - Decorah, IA - Helms Funeral Home - Decorah

A vibrant, colorful garden with a stone statue of a smiling child. The statue represents innocence and the joy of life. It provides a peaceful space for reflection and a reminder of the beauty of existence.

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Fig 23. LaVerne Cook Obituary - Helms Funeral Home - Decorah - 2021

A soft, glowing candlelight fills the funeral home's chapel, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. The candles are arranged in a circle, symbolizing unity and the strength of community.

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Fig 24. Elmer Schmitt Obituary (2025) - Decorah, IA - Helms Funeral Home ...

A vintage typewriter, its keys gently tapping, sits on a wooden desk. The room is filled with books and personal belongings. The typewriter becomes a tool for self-expression and the sharing of memories.

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Fig 25. Calvin Birch Obituary (2025) - Decorah, IA - Helms Funeral Home - Decorah

A serene mountain landscape with a lone figure standing at the peak. The sky is a canvas of pastel colors, creating a breathtaking vista. It symbolizes the journey of life and the beauty of nature's wonders.

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Fig 26. Donna Lechtenberg Obituary (2025) - Decorah, IA - Helms Funeral Home ...

A close-up of a hand holding a small, intricate compass. The compass is a symbol of guidance and direction. It offers a sense of comfort and a reminder of the loved one's path.

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Fig 27. Michael Moore Obituary (2025) - Decorah, IA - Helms Funeral Home - Decorah

A vibrant, colorful mural adorning the walls of the funeral home's lobby. The artwork depicts a vibrant cityscape, symbolizing the vibrancy of life and the memories shared.

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Fig 28. Donald Swanson Obituary (2025) - Decorah, IA - Helms Funeral Home - Decorah

A soft, glowing lantern, its light dancing on the walls. The lantern is placed on a wooden table, surrounded by personal items. It becomes a source of warmth and a guiding light in times of sorrow.

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