VERHELST, Russell Lee (1941-2008)

VERHELST, LEWIS, HELPS, SCHMIDT, LANGLITZ

Posted By: Pat Ludeke (email)
Date: 7/3/2013 at 08:14:22

Russell L. VerHelst, 66, of Klemme, a life long resident and farmer in the Goodell and Klemme areas, died unexpectedly on Tuesday, July, 1, 2008, on his farm land that he loved so dearly in rural Klemme.

Funeral services were held on Saturday, July 5, at the Klemme United Methodist Church in Klemme. The Rev. Donna Buckman and Rev. Donald Thompson
officiated. Burial was in the Ell Township Cemetery, Klemme. The Andrews Funeral Home was in charge of the arrangements.

Russell Lee VerHelst, was born on September 15, 1941, on a farm outside of Swaledale. He was the son of Mell and Josie (Lewis) VerHelst. He was one of 5 children. He attended and graduated from the Belmond High School in Belmond with the Class of 1959. Russell was united in marriage to JoAnn Helps on June 3, 1962 at the Klemme United Methodist Church. Following their marriage, Russ
and JoAnn lived in the Goodell and Klemme areas. Their union was blessed with two children, Rodney and Christine.

Russell and JoAnn farmed and raised their family on farms west of Goodell and later moved to a farm east of Klemme where they made their home for 38 years. For the past three years they had lived in the town of Klemme.

Russell was a farmer through and through for his entire life. He absolutely loved to work the earth and raise a bountiful crop. He received great satisfaction and pleasures in raising and caring for nurse cattle and the calves that were born. Russell was very much a horse enthusiast and had cared for and worked with many teams of horses during his life. His love for the horses brought with it an interest in the restoration and the building of various carriage and wagon racks for them pull about, as well as a chance to
work the horse in front of an antique implement. The family and friends recall many an occasion when a buggy, carriage, or wagon ride alongside, or with Russ at the helm might turn into an adventure if the horses thought it was necessary. Russell's favorite breed of horses was Hackney's, though his love of horses was universal.

In addition to his vocation as a farmer, Russ, worked for a time at the Goodell Grocery which later became We-3, as a butcher. He had also sold Walnut Grove Feeds and worked at Eaton Corporation in Belmond for many years.

Russ and JoAnn enjoyed motorcycle riding and had taken various trips with friends over the years. He loved camping and was an avid fisherman. He looked forward to fishing excursions to Canada and Minnesota. Many of his favorite fishing memories were spent on family fishing adventures teaching his children and grandchildren about his beloved sport. He was an avid sports fan and
especially enjoyed times spent watching horse racing, boxing, and various other sporting events on T.V.

In more recent times Russ liked to watching college softball. He absolutely loved spectating and supporting his children in their extra-curricular activities and in later years cheering for his grandchildren at their events.

Russ was their number one fan in life. He was a man filled with a great sense of humor, wit, and of course cherished the opportunity to share a one-liner, or play a part in a joke. He had a great ability to make you laugh.

Russell served on the Klemme School Board, the Klemme Lions Club and was a long time member of the Klemme United Methodist Church.

Russell's memory will live on in the lives of his wife, JoAnn VerHelst of Klemme; son, Rod and wife, Chris of Des Moines; daughter, Chris and her
husband, Steve Schmidt of Dallas Center; sister, Gail Langlitz and her husband, Larry of Goodell; two brothers, Lester VerHelst of West Liberty and
Leland VerHelst and wife, Norma of Otley; grandchildren, Kari, Jacob, Jennifer, Jackie and Ryan; and many nieces, nephews, and friends.

Russ was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Virginia; six step-brothers; and two step-sisters.