VanderHelm, Allen 'Dutch' 1919-2008

VANDERHELM, JANSSEN, POPKEN

Posted By: Janet Bosler - Volunteer (email)
Date: 7/30/2013 at 22:11:54

Northwest Iowa Review Sheldon Ia. Date Unknown

Born: 1-27-1919
Died: 7-10-2008

Akron - Allen "Dutch" Vander Helm, 89, Akron, died Thursday, July 10, at Hillcrest Health Care Center in Hawarden.

Services were Monday, July 14, at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Akron with the Rev. Dawn Quame officiating. Burial was at Riverside Cemetery, with military honors by the Albert E. Hoschler American Legion Post 186 in Akron, under the direction of Carlsen Funeral Home - Schroeder Chapel in Akron.

Dutch Vander Helm, son of Simon and Carrie (Janssen) Vander Helm, was born Jan. 27, 1919 near Hudson, SD. He attended country school. At the age of 13, his father died. In exchange for room and board, he stayed at Akron Hospital and helped with maintenance during the school year. He went to live with the Harry Nelson family in 1933 and began working at Nelson Hatchery. He graduated from Akron High School in 1936 and continued to work at the hatchery. He entered the U.S. Army Air Corps, 910 Signal Co, in May 1942 and attended school for radar repair. While in the service, he spent most of his time in the China-India-Burma Theatre. He was discharged in November 1945 with the rank of master sergeant. He returned to Nelson Hatchery as a partner.

He married Ramona Popken on June 12, 1949, at St. John Lutheran Church in Craig.

He became the owner of Nelson Hatchery in 1971. To many in the area, he was simply known as "The Chicken Man." He was active with the Iowa Poultry Association for many years. He was honored by the association as the Poultry Man of the Year in 1992. He loved his work, retiring in 2005, when his health began to fail.

He was an active member of the community, having served on the Akron City Council and as mayor. He retired as director of First National Bank in 1993, after 35 years of service to the bank. He was a longtime member of Immanuel Lutheran Church in Akron, where he served on the church council and other committees as needed. He was a 50-plus- year member of the Masonic Lodge, Scottish Rite, Consistory and the Shrine. He was a 60-plus-year member of Albert E. Hoschler American Legion Post 186 in Akron.

He enjoyed fishing, golf, bowling, and vacations with family and friends. His greatest joy came from his four grandchildren and great grandchild.

Survivors include his wife, Ramona Vander Helm of Akron, two children, James Vander Helm of Akron and Kerry Jo and David Herren of Akron; four grandchildren; a great granddaughter, three brothers, John Vander Helm of Alandria MN, Sam and Shirley Vander Helm of Braham, MN, and Basil and Lavina Vander Helm of Sioux Center; a sister-in-law, Eileen Vander Helm of Hawarden; a stepsister, Bertha and Marvin Sjarda of Paullina; and a foster brother, David and Sandy Nelson of Sioux City.

He was preceded in death by two brothers, George and Vivian Vander Helm and Henry Vander Helm; and a sister, Marie and Henry Obbink.