Helen Reiker

Helen Catherine Reiker, 91, of Fresno, Calif., died Tuesday, Feb. 11, 2003, at Nazareth House in Fresno.

She was born Sept. 24, 1911, in Cape Girardeau, daughter of Charles Augustus and Nadine Nazaria Wahl Reiker.

Helen grew up in Cape Girardeau and graduated with the first graduating class at the former St. Mary's High School. She was a 1938 cum laude graduate of St. Louis University, and received an MSW from Washington University George Warren Brown School of Social Work.

She served with the American Red Cross during World War II. She later worked in psychiatric care in Texas, and then worked 30 years as a psychiatric caseworker for the state of California.

Survivors include a sister and brother-in-law, Ann Louise and Albert Howe of West Des Moines, Iowa; five nephews; and three nieces.

A graveside service will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, May 13, 2003, at St. Mary's Cemetery, with Msgr. Richard Rolwing officiating.

Ford and Sons Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.