CLEAR LAKE — Helene Hulda Brant, 86, passed away Wednesday, September 9, 2026, at MercyOne North Iowa Medical Center in Mason City, surrounded by her family. She is being remembered for her deep love of family, steadfast faith, creative spirit and the many friendships she built throughout her life.
A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, September 19, 2026, at Avenue of the Saints Church of Christ, 1021 North 8th Street in Clear Lake, with Minister Dale Burleson officiating. Burial will take place at a later date at Memorial Park Cemetery in Mason City. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the family or to Avenue of the Saints Church of Christ in Helene’s memory.
Helene was born April 2, 1940, the daughter of Harold and Dorthea Deatrick Wentzel. She attended school in California and later graduated from cosmetology school. She worked as a hairdresser for many years and enjoyed owning and operating her own salon.
On April 30, 1966, Helene married Duane “Skip” Brant. Together they raised six children and made their home over the years in California, Pennsylvania and Iowa.
Family was at the center of Helene’s life. She treasured time with those she loved and was remembered as a wonderful cook, a great listener and a loyal friend. She also enjoyed dancing and expressing herself through art, including dot art and pour painting in more recent years.
While living in Pennsylvania, Helene was involved with Lady Remington Jewelry, where her success led to memorable trips and cruises. She and Skip also enjoyed traveling together, including trips to Hawaii and destinations near the water.
Helene also worked as a realtor, volunteered in her communities, was a Red Hatter and remained active in church. After moving to Iowa, she became a member of Avenue of the Saints Church of Christ in Clear Lake and valued the friendships she found within her church family.
Her life included deep losses, including the deaths of two sons, Raymond at age 6 and Shayne at age 24, as well as her grandson Alex at age 17. Through those hardships, her family said Helene remained strong in her faith and trust in God.
Those left to cherish her memory include her husband, Duane “Skip” Brant; her four children, Tim (Stefanie) Poole, Andy (Dena) Poole, Deanne Stine and Dana (Kristi) Brant; nine grandchildren, Andrew Poole, Sierra (Trevor) Musselman, Madison (Trey) Pierson, Elle Stine, Hunter Poole, Mikayla (Taylor) Beck, Luke Stine, Macey (Caedmon) Bressler and Jeremy Brant; seven great-grandchildren, Allston and Aeson Poole, Jayce Musselman, Paisley, Cooper and Cody Pierson, and Brighton Beck; along with sisters-in-law, siblings, nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family members and friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Harold and Dorthea Deatrick Wentzel; sons Raymond Poole and Shayne Brant; grandson Alex Poole; her beloved dog, Rascal Blue “Razzy”; and other extended family members and friends.
Ward Van Slyke Colonial Chapel
NorthIowaToday.com publishes remembrance stories free of charge for families and funeral homes.