Helen Van Veldhuizen

Helen Van Veldhuizen, age 84, of Storm Lake, Iowa died Saturday, March 26, 2011 in Storm Lake. Helen Van Veldhuizen, the only child of Fred and Alice Witter, was born February 13, 1927, in Storm Lake. She attended the Storm Lake schools and graduated with the class of 1945. She enrolled at Morningside College in Sioux City, Iowa where she met her husband, Edward Van Veldhuizen. Helen and Ed were married August 27, 1947 in the Storm Lake Methodist Church. They lived in Sioux City until Ed finished his degree. The couple then moved to Sheldon, Iowa where their four children, Carol, Thomas, Curtis, and Judith, were born. After thirteen years in Sheldon, the family moved to Mason City, Iowa where they lived for four years. They have lived in Storm Lake since 1963. Helen and Ed were the honored recipients of the 2006 Wendell Halverson Outstanding Friend Award given by the Buena Vista University Alumni Association. Helen was a faithful member of the United Methodist Church and Chapter EP, PEO. She loved music and enjoyed singing with the Alto Express in church. Helen was also a volunteer tour guide at the Harker House and helped deliver meals on wheels. She enjoyed traveling, especially on their yearly trips to Door County, Wisconsin with friends and a family cruise with their adult children. Helen always looked forward to her bridge clubs and truly enjoyed coffee with her close friends. She loved being a homemaker and will always be remembered for her chocolate chip cookies and providing a warm and loving home for her family. Helen was a loving and devoted wife to Ed for 59 years. She was a generous and caring mother to her children; her grandchildren and great-grandchildren always brought much joy to her heart. Those left to cherish her memory include her children: Carol (Bob) Payton of Liberty, Missouri; Tom (Jill) Van Veldhuizen of Cedar Falls, Iowa; Curtis Van Veldhuizen of West Des Moines, Iowa; and Judy (David) Ploeger of Storm Lake, Iowa; seven grandchildren: Susan (Ernie) Pither; Jill and Jeff Payton; Bryan and Kristen Van Veldhuizen; Tony (Robyn) Ploeger; and Peggy Ploeger; five great-grandchildren; extended family and many friends. She was preceded in death by her parents; and beloved husband, Edward.

Helen Van Veldhuizen

February 13, 1927 - March 26, 2011