Helen Louise Thull

Helen Louise Thull, of Des Moines, passed away on August 2, 2026. She lived 79 energetic years as a cherished wife, devoted mother, adored grandmother, and valued community member.

Helen, the 4th of 6 children, was born on the coldest day of the century January 4, 1947 to Alva and Annabelle (Finney) Jacobson in Manhattan, KS. Ironically, Helen would go on to make the world a much warmer place.

According to her husband, Gary Thull, "she wasn't very smart when she agreed to marry him". Their wedding was held on July 7th, 1979 at St. Isidore's Catholic Church in Manhattan, KS. A reception which included a presentation of chickens followed at the Sunset Zoo. (There's a story there.) They enjoyed 47 wonderful years together and happily raised their two children, Jennifer and Patrick.

Helen, being the Little Engine that Could, was passionately involved in supporting her family, friends, and community. She loved her children and grandkids (Lillian, Peter and Walter). She showed this love by always being available, attending activities and finding creative ways to celebrate birthdays, holidays, and special events. Her craft room (aka "fun room") and a baked treat (or a few) were always available.

Her door and table were always open to friends. She was constantly preparing something to share, such as her famous scones, banana bread, or lemon cookies. (If you couldn't tell, Helen had a bit of a sweet tooth.) She was always there to support family members and friends when they faced a challenge. You knew you could call her and she would help (sometimes you didn't even have to call, she just "did it" as an unstoppable force of kindness).

As the art teacher at Holy Trinity for nearly 3 decades, she shared her love of art with thousands of students. She also continued to support her church community by serving on the Holy Trinity School Board, through her ladies Guild Circle (which usually involved baked goods and a craft), and helping with the Holy Trinity Garage Sale.

Helen was also involved in other organizations. She was the President of the Bishop Drumm Guild for 6 years and an active member for many years before. She helped out at the Des Moines Public Schools After School Art program, DMARC Food Pantry, and with many other Organizations.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Alva and Annabelle Jacobson, brothers Charles Jacobson, Robert "Bob" Jacobson, and sister Jane McKim. Her many friends and family will miss her including her husband, Gary Thull, daughter Jennifer (James) Graefe and their three children - Lillian, Peter and Walter Graefe, as well as her son, Patrick Thull (Sarah Gotto) and her siblings Marilyn (Delmar) Janovec and Don "Jake" (Vicki) Jacobson.

A visitation will be held on Wednesday, August 12, 2026 at Holy Trinity Catholic Church (2926 Beaver Ave, Des Moines, IA 50310). A Catholic Rosary will be held from 9:00-9:30am in the Church; A Visitation in the Holy Trinity Church School Gym from 9:30-11:00am (with select speakers from 10:30-11:00am); and a Catholic Mass from 11:00-Noon in honor of Helen. A luncheon will follow.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to either Catholic Charities with the designation of "Saint Mary's Food Pantry" or to Holy Trinity Catholic Church (2926 Beaver Ave, Des Moines, IA 50310).

https://www.catholiccharitiesdm.org/get-involved/donate/

https://holytrinitydm.org/donate/