Helmers, Mary (Mrs. Henry) 1907-2006

HELMERS, BARON, VANDERSCHAAF

Posted By: Wilma J. Vande Berg - volunteer (email)
Date: 8/29/2014 at 12:47:34

Sioux Center News October 11, 2006

Mary Helmers
Mary (Vander Schaaf) Helmers,99, of Rock Valley died Monday, October 2, at Valley Manor Care Center in Rock Valley. Services will be 10 a.m. Thursday at Memorial Funeral Home in Sioux Center, with the Rev. Stephen Rhoda officiating. Burial was in Riverview Cemetery, Rock Rapids.

Mrs. Helmers was born May 19, 1907, to Simon and Tille (Barom) Vander Schaaf, west of Sioux Center. She was raised on the family farm near Sioux Center and graduated from Sioux Center High School. She married Henry Helmers in Rock Valley. Following their marriage, the couple lived in Rock Valley, where he worked as a mechanic. Later, they made their home in West Liberty, where they owned and operated a jewelry store and watch repair business. After receiving her teaching certificate, she taught school in the West Liberty area for several years. She also furthered her own education in her later years by receiving a degree in education. Her husband died in 1973. After retiring, she returned to Rock Valley. She enjoyed assisting her sister-in-law, Rosemary, with rummage sales, at which they would provide treats for children. She lived independently for several years before she became a resident of Valley Manor Care Center.

She is survived by a granddaughter; two brothers, Sam Vander Schaaf of Rock Valley and John Vander Schaaf of Sioux Center; a sister-in-law, Rosemary Vander Schaaf of Sioux Falls; and nieces and nephews. She was also preceded in death by a daughter and her husband, Viola and Roland Masse; a grandson; three sisters, Florence Fiekema-Manfred, Dora Brower and Sadie Zellinga; and six brothers, Art, William, Henry, Martin, Burt and Jerry Vander Schaaf.
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Note of Correction: The name Barom in this obit should be Baron.