Van Asselt, Helen M. (1922 - 2017)

VAN ASSELT, RADDEN, LUND, OSBORNE, TOMSU, HEESCH, DESBIEN

Posted By: Denise Wurner (email)
Date: 1/7/2017 at 17:54:52

Name of deceased: Helen Margaret Van Asselt (nee Radden)

Aged: 94 yrs, 11 mo, 5 days

Residence: Manilla Manor, Manilla, IA

Born: Jan. 28, 1922; Halbur, IA

Died: Jan. 2, 2017; Manilla Manor, Manilla, IA

Funeral services: Friday, Jan. 6, 2017; Irwin United Methodist Church, Irwin, IA; burial was in the Oak Hill Cemetery, Irwin, IA

Survived by: Daughters, Linda (spouse, Tom) Lund of Kila, MT, and Joan Osborne of Brainerd, MN; grandchildren, Linda Osborne of Brainerd, MN, and Joshua Tomsu of Broussard, LA; other relatives and friends

Predeceased by: Parents, Henry John and Maria Magdalena (nee Heesch) Radden; husband, Gerrit John “Dutch” Van Asselt; sister, Ruby Desbien; brothers, Pershing Radden and Marvin Radden

Education: attended Irwin (IA) schools; graduated with the Class of 1939; was a 4-H member, and during high school participated in the Girls Glee Club, played basketball, and was a cheerleader.

Religious affiliation: baptized in the Lutheran church, and later became a member of the Irwin United Methodist Church in Irwin, IA; there, she helped with weddings and funerals, and was active in the women’s group.

Military service: n/a

Marriage: Gerrit John “Dutch” Van Asselt; July 14, 1940; Irwin, IA

Employment: After her marriage, she worked part-time at the Irwin (IA) Drug Store. Later, as her daughters got older, she washed dishes at the Irwin (IA) Community School. Helen was also a weather observer for 17 years, and reported local news for the Harlan and Denison (IA) newspapers for 25 years. She had an article, “Living in the Train Depot Agent’s Quarters”, published in A Living History of Southwest Iowa – Outside Privies and Dinner Pails. She also wrote an article about her family and the Irwin Barbershop for the Irwin Centennial History Book.

Hobbies/Interests: loved growing grapes: was known for her grape pie and grape jelly.

Sources: kjan.com; burmeisterjohannsen.com