Laurilyn D. "Lauri" Helmers Obituary

I grew up with Lauri in Sibley and we have been in contact and shared many special times throughout our lives.
We went off to college together and were room mates in Brookings, South Dakota. Our paths went different ways but we always tried to get together if we could. Once when visiting relatives in Iowa we made plans to meet. She cancelled and I was so disappointed, but understood when she said she was in the hospital having her appendix

I grew up with Lauri in Sibley and we have been in contact and shared many special times throughout our lives.
We went off to college together and were room mates in Brookings, South Dakota. Our paths went different ways but we always tried to get together if we could. Once when visiting relatives in Iowa we made plans to meet. She cancelled and I was so disappointed, but understood when she said she was in the hospital having her appendix out.
Lauri attended my wedding with Susan, another friend from Sibley.
When Lauri took her oral boards in San Francisco, she and Kirk came to visit in Chico. I was impressed how quickly she had regained her calm after that stressful time.
When Lauri moved to Seattle I visited her there. We were able to meet Lauri and Kirk for wine weekends in the Dundee Valley of Oregon. My daughters remember Lauri as generous and genuine. I remember her as my friend.
The last time we got together was Memorial Day weekend last year. We shared food, wine, and many memories. What I remember most about the weekend is how much we laughed together.
Lauri was a special person whose life long friendship I will always appreciate and cherish. And thank you, Kirk, for making her happy.

Besides modeling and teaching superlative and vigilant patient care for our UIHC patients, she and I shared an anesthesia department office and also lodging expenses at many conferences for continuing medical education. She demonstrated genuine concern for the improved safety of vulnerable patients and that is a huge part of her legacy within our University of Iowa Health Care. I cherish being an invited guest to her wedding & also staying with Lauri & Kirk during another medical meeting while

Besides modeling and teaching superlative and vigilant patient care for our UIHC patients, she and I shared an anesthesia department office and also lodging expenses at many conferences for continuing medical education. She demonstrated genuine concern for the improved safety of vulnerable patients and that is a huge part of her legacy within our University of Iowa Health Care. I cherish being an invited guest to her wedding & also staying with Lauri & Kirk during another medical meeting while they lived in Seattle. I know she was proud of her extended family and truly enjoyed planning and sharing some of their vacations, especially Ko Olina, Oahu for Kirk's and her brother's January birthdays. Both Lauri and Kirk were inspiring with their travel photography and deep sea diving experiences. She was generous, encouraging and supportive during my family's challenges with health and other problems. I was the fortunate recipient of a few unique artisan created hearts which will now be symbolic of great courage during her diagnosis and treatment. May we all continue to be grateful for the time we had with her.

Lauri was first my attending when I was a resident and fellow. She had become a colleague, friend, mentor, and much more. She was always willing to help me, always ready to listen, always ready to share ideas. She will be greatly missed by many at work, but especially by the pediatric anesthesia staff and sedation staff at the University of Iowa. May God grant her peace and may God's healing be upon those who miss her.

I was so saddened to hear that Lauri had passed away. I attended pharmacy school with Lauri at South Dakota State University and while we weren't close friends we were all part of the graduating class of 1979 Pharmacy Family and you tend to form a sort of bond with each other. Lauri was always a kind, cheerful, studious student that took very good notes! I am glad I got to see her at our 2014 Pharmacy reunion but didn't

I was so saddened to hear that Lauri had passed away. I attended pharmacy school with Lauri at South Dakota State University and while we weren't close friends we were all part of the graduating class of 1979 Pharmacy Family and you tend to form a sort of bond with each other. Lauri was always a kind, cheerful, studious student that took very good notes! I am glad I got to see her at our 2014 Pharmacy reunion but didn't get to visit as long as I would have liked. May God's Love be with Kirk and the Helmers family and sustain all of you as you go forward knowing that Lauri is now in His care. Rest in Peace Lauri

My heart breaks for your loss. Know that we are thinking of you and that Lauri will be missed greatly! She was a great colleague.

My memory of Lauri, is her cheerfulness and always willing to listen. I remember the many times I walked into her office to chat (her door was always open) and never once was she too busy to spare a moment. She will be missed and I pray that the Lord will comfort her family and loved ones in this difficult time. "Death is swallowed up in victory" "O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting? (I corinth 15:55)

I am very sorry to hear that Lauri has passed. I will always be grateful to her, for helping prepare me for a career in anesthesia and a life helping others. I am fortunate to have trained under her as a resident. May she rest in peace.

I will remember Lauri as a ceaselessly cheerful, upbeat colleague who was always willing to take the time to answer my clinical questions about the care of pediatric patients, who helped teach me new techniques, and who was incredibly supportive of her co-workers' and trainees' projects and interests. She did some wonderful things to improve processes at UIHC, and seemed especially focused on issues related to patient safety & communication among various team members. Her initiatives to improve handoff and

I will remember Lauri as a ceaselessly cheerful, upbeat colleague who was always willing to take the time to answer my clinical questions about the care of pediatric patients, who helped teach me new techniques, and who was incredibly supportive of her co-workers' and trainees' projects and interests. She did some wonderful things to improve processes at UIHC, and seemed especially focused on issues related to patient safety & communication among various team members. Her initiatives to improve handoff and communication in the peri-operative period have made an incredibly positive impact on inter-team relationships in the hospital. One of my fond memories of Lauri is of her laughing and smiling as she carried a child to surgery, with the child's arms wrapped around her neck, snuggling in tight, clearly feeling safe and comforted.

Lauri and I roomed together on Woolf Avenue for four years during her residency and fellowship. I enjoyed getting to know her. She was fun to be around, had a good sense of humor and was kind and generous. We kept in touch after she moved out and married Kirk, having dinner not only before they left for Seattle and sadly enough, for the last time after they returned, but we managed to get together one summer when I visited

Lauri and I roomed together on Woolf Avenue for four years during her residency and fellowship. I enjoyed getting to know her. She was fun to be around, had a good sense of humor and was kind and generous. We kept in touch after she moved out and married Kirk, having dinner not only before they left for Seattle and sadly enough, for the last time after they returned, but we managed to get together one summer when I visited the Pacific Northwest.

My condolences to Kirk and all of Lauri's family. My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time and beyond.

Sorry to hear about Lauri's passing. Lauri helped me get through Pharmacy School- I always got her notes from certain classes. I remember a lot of good times at State. It was great to see her at our Reunion in Brookings. May God help you through this difficult time.
Mark Dady