Helen Tjaden

Hastings resident, Helen Marie McGowan Tjaden, 87, passed away Tuesday, July 26, 2016 at Mary Lanning Healthcare, Hastings, Nebraska. Helen died peacefully after many recent visits from her children and with her children by her side.

Rosary will be Sunday, July 31, 2016; 7:00 P.M. at Butler Volland Chapel. Mass of Christian Burial will be Monday, August 1, 2016; 10:00 A.M. at St. Cecilia's Catholic Church, Hastings with Father Joseph M. Walsh officiating. Private family burial will be in Parkview Cemetery, Hastings. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to Hastings Catholic Schools Trust or charity of your choice. Visitation will be Sunday, July 31, 2016; 1:00 P.M. - 8:00 P.M. at the funeral home, and one hour prior to service at the church.

Helen was born on April 2, 1929 in McCool Junction, Nebraska. Her parents were Marie Gerlits McGowan and Claude McGowan. Helen grew up in Texas and in Kearney, Nebraska. She graduated from Kearney High School and from Hastings College. In 1948, Helen married Harold George Tjaden, who often said that Helen was "ever amazing," and she was. Helen and Harold were blessed with eight children, many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

After Harold's death in 1979, Helen spent countless hours encouraging and enjoying her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She was especially interested in their education. Helen was also active in PEO Chapter G, Hastings; George Eliot Club; Catholic Daughters of the Americas Court William McDonald #1009; and St. Cecilia's Altar Society. Helen also served her community on various boards and volunteered for activities through her church and community.

The family wishes to thank the staff at Mary Lanning Memorial Hospital and her doctors for their care and kindness to Helen.

Helen's family will miss her always and love her forever.

Helen was preceded in death by her husband, Harold G. Tjaden; parents, Marie and Claude McGowan; sister, Betty L. Walline; and granddaughter, Rachael Ann Erickson.

Helen is survived by her eight children: daughter Michaela Warden and son-in-law Jim Warden and their children - John, Genevieve, Andrew, Meredith and Tedd - and their 12 grandchildren; daughter Pat Flack and son-in-law Mark Flack and their children - Adam and Kate - and their granddaughter; daughter Suzie Klosterman and son-in-law Don Klosterman and their children - Bridget and Joe; daughter Peg Welch and son-in-law John Welch and their children - George, Jack and Alice; son Kurt Tjaden and daughter-in-law Ann Tjaden and their children - Elizabeth, Hannah and Will; daughter Bridget Erickson and son-in-law Paul Erickson and their children - Jake, Nick and Kurt; son Christopher Tjaden and daughter-in-law Janine Ucchino and their children - Natalie, Sean and Charlotte; and son Greg Tjaden and daughter-in-law Nancy Tjaden and their children - Harry and Luke.

Helen is also survived by her sister Bobbie Lindenstein of Storm Lake, IA, her brother-in-law Charles Walline of Kearney, NE, and13 great-grandchildren, numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.