KLEMME BOOK

Marie Caroline VerHelst

1936 - 2017

March 30, 1936 - June 27, 2017

Marie C. VerHelst, age 81, of Klemme, IA, most recently a resident of Jefferson Place in Pella, IA, died, peacefully, June 27, 2017, at Jefferson Place in Pella. Funeral services are Saturday, July 1, 2017, 1:30 PM, at the Immanuel Reformed United Church of Christ, Klemme, IA. The Reverend Donna Buckman will be officiating. Burial will be in the Ell Township Cemetery, Klemme. Visitation will be Friday, June 30, 2017, at the Andrews Funeral Home, 528 East Main St., Klemme, from 5 to 7 PM and will continue one hour prior to the funeral at church Saturday. Memorials are suggest to the Marie VerHelst Family for their further designation % Elaine Malek, 215 Stoney Point Dr., Knoxville, IA 50138.

Marie Caroline Nuehring, the daughter of Owen and Blanche (Montgomery) Nuehring, was born in rural Klemme, IA, on March 30, 1936. She attended Hancock County Country Schools north of Klemme during her childhood and later Klemme High School where she graduated in the Class of 1953. She was baptized and confirmed at the Immanuel Reformed UCC Church in Klemme. Following graduation from high school she attended Waldorf College in Forest City, IA, for two years receiving her teaching degree. She then taught 2nd grade for a time at Rowan, IA.

Marie was united in marriage to Richard (Dick) VerHelst on February 18, 1956, at the UCC Church in Klemme. Following their marriage the couple lived for a period of time in Belmond, IA, where they began their family. Their union was blessed with a son Dale and daughter Elaine. They eventually returned to Klemme where Marie spent the remainder of her life until recently moving to Pella to be closer to her children following her health declining.

In addition to teaching in her earlier years, Marie had been employed at Par Products in Klemme, for a number of years following Richard's passing until her own health forced her to retire. She was a devoted wife, nurturing mother, and loving grandma, who gave unselfishly to her family and friends. She was a consummate caregiver throughout her life showing boundless love and dedication to Dick as his health declined prior to his passing in August of 1974. Her heart and selflessness towards others was bigger than her being. Marie truly enjoyed the simple pleasures of life. First and foremost was her great passion for her family and nearly any occasion that meant spending time in their company.

He children recall family vacations were nearly always spent visiting relatives in South Dakota and Minnesota. She enjoyed fishing and looked forward to family outings to going on fishing outings throughout the area. Marie was truly about providing for her family's needs in an efficient manner through raising a large vegetable and flower garden, canning, and sharing her excellent baking and culinary skills. She often shared her home made fruit cakes and other delights with family and friends. Marie loved all kinds animals and had raised exotic chickens, along with having many other four legged creatures around the home including various dogs and cats. She had even tolerated Elaine's pet duck waddling about their home. In addition to the family pets, Marie truly enjoyed bird watching and had often participated in the "Great American Back Yard Bird Count"

She had done some sewing on her old fashioned trendle machine and had hand tied quilts with her sisters. Her home was always filled with reading materials and plenty of magazines and catalogs.

Throughout her entire life her faith and church was very important to Marie. She had been active in the Church Women's Fellowship, DORCAS Circle, and visited shut-ins. She was also a past member of the "Friendly Neighbor's Club. Many people knew Marie for her role as "Ruffles the Clown", a character she would often fulfill as a way of bringing happiness and cheer to people she would visit at various facilities and events throughout the years.

Her children will always cherish Marie's sharing proudly to others, "I have two great kids!", a mutual bond they shared with her. All who had the privilege to cross in her life journey will reflect fondly upon the many traits that made Marie a wonderful person. She was truly humble and never seemed to complain no matter what curves life threw her way. She had a unique and quick wit and always found the positive side of everything. She wasn't afraid to offer advice and was never known to be overly judgmental of others. Marie was very truly a selfless and frugal person always making the best of everything and used a very common sense approach to life.

Those left to cherish her memory include her son, Dale (Deanna) VerHelst, Creston, IA, and their children Derek and Devin and Omaha, NE, and Dylan and wife Holly, of Creston, IA; her daughter, Elaine (Ed) Malek, Knoxville, IA, and their children Jamie and his wife Lori Malek, Des Moines, IA, and their children Jordan and Paighton both of Pella, and Jaelynn and Blake of Des Moines, IA; Marie's granddaughter, Lacey Malek of Waukee, IA; and her step grandsons, Jared Gage and Jake Uhlman all of Des Moines, IA; also her siblings, Mavis Eckes, Long Prairie, MN, Keith (Wilma) Nuehring, Webster City, IA, and Inez (Bruce) Dunbar, Unionville, MO; and many nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Richard "Dick" VerHelst on March 8, 1974, 4 sisters, 6 brothers and a grandson Brent Malek. Andrews Funeral Home, Klemme, IA.