VanderWilt, Helen (Mrs. Dick G.) 1916-2011

VANDERWLT, REYELTS, JASTER

Posted By: Wilma J. Vande Berg - volunteer (email)
Date: 3/3/2022 at 16:24:41

Vander Wilt Helen born 1916 on same stone as Jeffrey, Dr. Dick G. buried in Capel Cemetery Middleburg IA. wife: Helen Reyelts

From a family report on ancestry.com Helen Louise Alwine Reyelts was born 17 Apr 1916 Wheeler Tsp Lyon Co. IA she died July 28, 2011 at Millcreek Salt Lake Co. UT. She was the daughter of Henry Barthold Reyelts 1874-1958 and Bertha Jaster 1888-1973. She was married to Dick Gerrit Vander Wilt born Mar 5, 1909 Middleburg IA died July 17, 1979 Salt Lake City UT. Possibly four children listed as Private.

From the Salt Lake tribune
Helen VanderWilt "A Wonderful Mom" On the morning of July 28 Helen VanderWilt peacefully passed away at St. Mark's Hospital with her daughter at her side. Born on April 17, 1916, Helen was a happy Iowa farm girl who spent her childhood catching critters (including a skunk) and "teaching" her cats and dogs and dolls in her barnyard classroom. She also enjoyed dancing to the music of Lawrence Welk who traveled through her area playing for barn dances. The Lawrence Welk Show remained her favorite throughout her life. Helen also was an excellent basketball player in high school. Helen grew into a pretty young school teacher who caught the eye of Dick VanderWilt, the handsome young dentist in town. They married during World War II and traveled together throughout the country while Dick was serving in the Army Dental Corps. When he went to serve overseas she returned to Northwest Iowa. After the war they settled in Sibley, Iowa and raised four children. Helen was an extraordinary homemaker. Her meals were lovingly prepared and beautifully presented. Every holiday was full of excitement and course after course of delicious eating. Her creativity could be seen in her holiday decorations which beautified the neighborhood and the hilarious costumes she put together in Halloween. She often created special treats for her daughter's Special Ed classroom. A wonderful baker, holidays often included coffee cakes in the shape of Santas or bunnies. Her melt in your mouth cinnamon rolls were famous. Helen's focus and loving care were always centered on her family and she was proud of each one. She had a special love for animals, especially dogs. She also had a hobby of collecting frogs and was supplied with a houseful of the critters in various forms by her grandson, Tom. Her trademark apparel was jewelry to coordinate with her clothing. She loved to shop and always selected stylish clothing (no "old lady clothes"). She also was a fan of the Utah Jazz along with her special son, Jeff, who added such joy to her life. During her years in Utah, Helen enjoyed her beautiful surroundings. She especially loved going to Snowbird to the Oktoberfest to enjoy the German music. She traveled often to Yellowstone and Glacier National Parks and the beautiful red rock areas of southern Utah. She was an avid hiker into her 80's. In later years Helen was slowed slightly by open heart surgery in her late 80's, back surgery and surgery to repair a broken hip. She also survived a bout of pneumonia in 2010. Through all of this she courageously fought back through pain and therapy so that she could resume her life and activities. She developed Parkinson's disease in 2004. When it began to affect her motor control, she refused to slow down but began to appreciate the world in new ways from the seat of a wheel chair. With her daughter she discovered the beauty and diversity of trees and plants in the parks and gardens of the city and canyons. She spent many happy weekends in Park City at her daughter's condo enjoying parades, festivals and just relaxing. She was also able to travel to favorite destinations such as Yellowstone finding accessible accommodations and spending many happy hours visiting the gift shops along with enjoying nature's beauty. Helen had a wonderful (somewhat mischievous) sense of humor and added fun to every family gathering. Until the last few weeks she was continuing to enjoy life to the full. Those left to cherish the memories are her children, Jody VanderWilt (who shared her wheelchair adventures), Jacki Hardy, and Jeff VanderWilt of Salt Lake City; and Debby Hall of Chico, California. She is also survived by her son-in-law, Dr. Dave Hall; grandchildren, Dr. Sara Hardy, Tom Hardy, Rachel Hall, Lisa Hall and Austin Hall along with many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; two sisters; husband Dr. Dick VanderWilt and son-in-law Dr. Tom Hardy. Blessed be her memory. Services will be held on Monday, August 1 at 11 a.m. at Mtn. View Memorial Mortuary (3115 E. Bengal Blvd./7800 S).