Helena Garrelts

Former Hastings resident, Helena Margaret (Bunger) Garrelts, 96, passed away Tuesday, April 12, 2011 at St. John's Good Samaritan Care Center, Kearney, Nebraska.

Services will be Friday, April 15, 2011; 1:00 P.M. at Faith Lutheran Church, Hastings with Pastor Paul Dunbar officiating. Burial will be in St. Paul's Lutheran Church Cemetery, Holstein, Nebraska. Visitation will be Thursday, April 14, 2011; 3:00 P.M. - 9:00 P.M. at the funeral home, and Friday, April 15, 2011; 10:30 A.M. until service time at the church. Memorials may be given to the Faith Lutheran Church, Hastings, Nebraska; Holy Cross Lutheran Church, Kearney, Nebraska; or St. Paul's Lutheran Church Cemetery Fund, Holstein, Nebraska and sent to Butler Volland Funeral Home, 1225 N. Elm Avenue, Hastings, Nebraska 68901.

Helena was born December 11, 1914 to John Harm & Helena Marie (Jelken) Bunger on the family farm located 12 miles south of Hildreth, Ash Grove Township. She was baptized January 10, 1915 by Pastor J. Senkeisen and confirmed April 15, 1931 by Pastor Paul W. Ludwig both taking place at Redeemer Evangelical Lutheran Church near Bloomington, Nebraska. She graduated from Hildreth High School in 1933, enrolled at Kearney State College receiving her teaching certificate and taught in Franklin County rural schools. On September 21, 1937, Helena was married to Emos John Garrelts at Redeemer Evangelical Lutheran Church by Pastor R. P. Schulz. To this union were born four children: Leah, Miriam, Paul, and Susan. Emos and Helena farmed in Franklin County until 1945, near Holstein until 1955 and near Bladen until July 1965. They moved back to Holstein buying and operating the Garrelts' Café and worked side by side until Emos's sudden death on July 3, 1975. Helena moved to Hastings and was employed at Kings and My Place restaurants. She was injured at work in 1981and could not return to full time. In 1983 she became a volunteer cashier at Good Samaritan Village Snack Shop and involved in R.S.V.P. helping others in need. Helena moved to Kearney into Cambridge Court in 2000 and to St. John's Good Samaritan Care Center in 2004 where she spent much of her time reading, studying the Bible and corresponding with her friends and family. Helena was a lifelong member of the Lutheran Church. For over 35 years Helena taught Saturday and Sunday school at Our Redeemer Lutheran near Franklin and then at St. Paul's Lutheran in Holstein. She held offices of superintendent, secretary and treasurer of the Sunday school for many years and was a dedicated member of the choir and Dorcas Society. Helena has been a member of Faith Lutheran in Hastings for over 30 years. She was active in the choir, Ruth Society, L.W.M.L. and made visitations to homes and the hospital. Helena was a 4-H leader in Adams and Webster counties, organizing the first 4-H Club at Holstein, President of the PTA and member and officer of many community clubs. Being inspired at an early age by a musically talented family, music was an important part of Helena's life. She loved to sing, dance, and listen to music and the sound of the big bands. While at home, she and her sisters were requested to sing at many family events, community occasions and at church and funerals. When she moved from home, Helena continued to be called upon to sing solos for funerals and at special occasions in the church and community. Helena was an avid letter writer; sending news about her family, letters of encouragement, best wishes and get well messages. It was important for her not to be late sending her family, relatives, and friends a card on all their special days and she always had to enclose a letter or at least a note.

Helena was preceded in death by her husband, Emos Garrelts in 1975; son, Paul in 1992; daughter, Miriam Gellermann in 2010; son-in-law, Laurence Johnson in 2007; granddaughter, Marilyn Johnson Alexander; parents; three brothers, Harm, Johnnie, and Jurden; and four sisters, Etta, Hanna, Ella, and Rose.

Survivors include:
Daughters & Spouse: Leah Ann Johnson - Hastings, NE
Susan & Wayne Brockmeier - Cozad, NE
Son-in-law: Ivan Gellermann - Wilcox, NE
Daughter-in-law: Olivia Garrelts - Las Vegas, NV
Grandchildren: 15
Great-Grandchildren: 42
Great-Great-Grandchildren: 15
Many Nieces, Nephews, Cousins, and Friends