Helen Van Roekel
January 07, 2010
Helen L. Hendrickson Van Roekel, 98, passed away January 7, 2010 at The Village at Legacy Point in Waukee. Funeral services will be held 2 p.m. Friday, January 15, 2010 at Christ United Methodist Church, 5723 Franklin Avenue. Burial will follow at Pine Hill Cemetery. Visitation will be held Thursday, January 14, 2010 from 5 to 8 p.m. at Hamilton’s Funeral Home, 605 Lyon Street in Des Moines.
Helen was born June 23, 1911 in Des Moines. She spent a part of her childhood in West Bend and Mallard, Iowa and moved back to the Des Moines area when she was 17 years old. Helen was a registered nurse. She was a member of Christ United Methodist Church, Iowa Lutheran Hospital Alumni, Central Iowa Treasure Hunters Club and Polk County Historical Society.
Helen is survived by her sons, Dale (Nondalee) Hendrickson and Art Van Roekel; stepson, Maynard Van Roekel; daughter, Diane Morris; stepdaughter, Marcia Holm; and five grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her first husband, Norm “Cal” Hendrickson and her second husband, Arthur Van Roekel; her parents; half brothers, Eldon, Dean and Jim Briggs; half sister, Aloha Wilson; and stepsister, Thelma Jolliffe.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to her church or Iowa Lutheran Hospital.
www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com
Ruth and Dave Bowman
01/10/2010
Our thoughts are with the family - Aunt Helen and Uncle Art were dear to our family, especially to my Mom & Dad, John & Gerry Van Roekel. They had many happy years in Texas together and my Dad rode their bicycle that Uncle Art left with him until the day he left Texas. There was a long list of people that asked if they could have that special bike - easy for seniors to ride around the park. He never locked it up - but would put a wire around it over the winter. Aunt Helen would never pull punches - and helped everyone face the reality of the situation.
Another of that great generation moves on - and while we do not always welcome death, we should be thankful for life lived fully. There is an incredible crew to welcome her to the gates of heaven.
Our hearts will be with you on Friday.
Blessings,
Ruthie
Lorena Hook & Connie Vail
01/10/2010
Dearest Diane and family,
Mother and Helen were side by side neighbors for so many years and took good care of each other through all those years. They both had so many stories to tell. Mother used to call Helen "the Kid" as mother is now 102 years old and lives with me in Tennessee. She speaks of her from time to time and remembers how she knew everything that was going on in the neighborhood. I am so glad they were friends. Helen will be missed.
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. May God bless you in this time of sorrow.
Lorena Hook and Connie Vail
Phyllis (Van Roekel) and Don Bishop
01/10/2010
What great memories of Aunt Helen. What stands out so much is her knowledge of metal detecting. She found so many interesting things. It was fun to hear her share many of the things she had done over the years.
May the Lord give all of you comfort and happy memories as you recall her love to you. Wish we could join you but we are about 8 hours away and this weather is too cold.
I would like to get in touch with Diane. It has been many years since we visited. Maynard and I keep in touch.
Our prayers will be with you all through this time of sorrow. May God give you the strength and grace you need each and every day. Cast all your care upon Him as He cares for you. -- I Peter 5:7.
In His love,
Phyllis (Van Roekel) and Don Bishop
Bransonbishops@centurytel.net
Artis (Van Roekel) Reis
01/09/2010
To all of Aunt Helen's family--
Many blessings to all of you, and peace in this time of mourning.
Aunt Helen was such an interesting lady, and I enjoyed her so much. She always kept her sense of humor and interest in life, even when she was weak and in pain. She had some real challenges in life, and she was a great example for women of her time. She was proud of her nursing career, and she always seemed to keep up with medical news.
Aunt Helen and Uncle Art first introduced my parents to the winter trips to Texas, when they all stayed at Paradise Park. They had such a great time.
My Dad told me once that he would always love Aunt Helen "because she saved my brother's life." That was it; no further explanation.
She will always be in my heart.