Helen Dykhouse

November 29, 1920 - May 19, 2008

Helen Dykhouse died peacefully on May 19, 2008 at the age of 87. Beloved mother of Robert W. Dykhouse, Jr, Waupun, and Barbara (David) Kalscheur, Beaver Dam; loving grandmother of Sister Elizabeth Marie Kalscheur, Nashville, TN, Joshua Kalscheur, Federated States of Micronesia, and Ruth Kalscheur, Beaver Dam; former wife of Robert W. Dykhouse, Sr. Helen”s family especially honors the love and loyalty of her caregiver, Kay Dykstra.

Helen was born on November 29, 1920 in Hastings, Michigan, the daughter of the late Emmett (Nita) Fultz and Betty (John) Visser. She moved to Beaver Dam in 1997 after a lifetime residency in the Grand Rapids, Michigan area. Growing up during the Great Depression, Helen learned the value of hard work. She supported United States Soldiers during WWII through many volunteer activities. Helen attended secretarial school at Davenport College, learned Gregg Shorthand, and later worked for the American Seating Company. Helen left the workplace to become a stay-at-home-mom. These were happy years filled with mother duties, 4H, and the many jobs that moms are asked to do. After Helen”s children were grown, she reentered the workplace as a secretary at Independent Liberty Life Insurance. Helen enjoyed traveling on summer vacations, time spent at Grand Haven and Traverse City, card playing, and swing dancing to Big Band tunes. Although Helen always missed Michigan, she enjoyed the beauty of the Horicon Marsh and Green Lake. She relished the entertainment in the Beaver Dam area attending the Bunny Berrigan Festival, BDHS chorus and band concerts, and BDACT productions. Her last outing found Helen tapping her feet to the sounds of the Glenn Miller Orchestra concert on April 21, 2008. More than anything else, Helen treasured the time she spent with her family. She was a generous and loving mother and grandmother who will be missed so very much.

Visitation for Helen will be at the Murray Funeral Home in Beaver Dam on Thursday, May 22, 2008 from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM. Funeral services will follow at the funeral home on Thursday, beginning at 11:00 AM. Rev. Roger Knowlton will officiate. Burial will be at Chapel Hills Memorial Gardens in Grand Rapids, Michigan on Friday, May 23, 2008 at 11:30 AM.

The family suggests that memorials be made in Helen Dykhouse”s name to St. Katharine Drexel School.

The Murray Funeral Home in Beaver Dam is caring for the family. Online condolences may be made on our website at www.MurrayFH.com.

Service Details

Thursday, May 22nd, 2008, 11:00am

See Condolences

I''m so sorry to hear about Helen. It was a pleasure to meet her and care for her at Eagles Wings. Our deepest sympathy goes out to you and your family. She is in God''s loving hands, at peace and pain free. What a blessing. With Our Deepest Sympathy The Buhalog Family

Dear Bob, Justknow my thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time. I went through this less than a year ago so I can relate to your feelings. Also, know she is in a better place now and at peace. Take care, Dorie (Piggly Wiggly)

Dear Barb, Kooch, Lisa, Josh, and Ruth, Just read in the GR Press that your mom/grandma passed away and wanted to express our sincere sympathy and love to each of you. We''re glad she is now at peace but parting with someone you love is really hard. We''ll be praying for your family. We''re hoping you''ll spend a few days in GR and that we''ll get to see you. We treasure your friendship and would love to reconnect. Love, Bill and Bonnie

Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.