Helen Dieleman

Loving, enduring, and strong, Helen Dieleman lived a life rich in faith and family. Helen led by example, embodying the principles of her faith and generously giving her time and talents to serve others. She celebrated life's joys with grace and gratitude and faced its challenges without complaint. A devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend, Helen will long be remembered by those she so dearly loved.

1929 continued to ride the decade's roaring wave of peace, prosperity, and hope. The nation celebrated the recent inventions of Penicillin, the iron lung, bubble gum, and the Yo-Yo, as well as Charles Lindbergh's Congressional Medal of Honor and Amelia Earhart becoming the first woman to fly solo across the Atlantic. As the wave of sweeping social and economic growth rapidly increased, nowhere was there more hope for the future than in the home of Fredric and Lucy (Helmus) Johnson as they welcomed their daughter Helen on May 23 in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

The oldest of three, Helen was definitely a "Big" sister to her siblings, Robert and Gloria. She especially provided much care for and influence on her sister. Helen's father worked at Heckman Cookie Company, and her mother taught school at Baxter. The family lived on the southeast side of GR and attended Seymour Christian Reformed Church. Helen attended Seymour Christian and Grand Rapids Christian High School. Naturally "sporty," she loved sports her entire life, competing in softball, volleyball, and basketball. In her teens, she worked at Heckman Cookie Company.

While the subject for an art class's drawing, Helen caught the eye and the heart of one of the students, Franklin Dieleman. After the pleasure of staring at Helen for the entire period, Frank immediately approached Helen as the class dismissed her and asked her out on a date. Instantly smitten, the couple were soon setting their hearts on sharing the future. After a couple of years and much romantic courting, Helen and Franklin married on June 28, 1949.

The newlyweds made their first home in an apartment on Marietta Street above Franklin's grandparents' home, where they celebrated the births of two children. Outgrowing the apartment, the family moved to a house on Emerald Street just a few blocks down the road. This is where they planted more permanent roots and joyfully welcomed three more children. Always her children's biggest fan, Helen enjoyed Saturday nights, playing Carom Board Game and watching Lawrence Welk. A model homemaker, Helen was regimented and loved clear, consistent schedules and routines for keeping her home meticulously clean and providing for her family. She was frugal and persistent and the family disciplinarian; there was no waiting for the children's father to get home. Over the years, the family enjoyed a lot of camping up north and in Traverse City. Both familiar and comfortable, the Gillette Motel in Gatlinburg, Tennessee, was Helen's favorite place.

Always willing to lend a hand where needed, Helen proudly served as a member of the Parent-Teacher Association and had a close circle of friends. She enjoyed gathering with loved ones and ensured that holidays and birthdays were always special. With tremendous grace and generosity, Helen cared for her mother, aunt, and next-door neighbor. In doing so, she proved a great example of compassion and loving care.

A lifelong member of Beckwith Hills CRC, Helen quietly and steadfastly lived her faith. Her family was her heart's delight, and she beamed and smiled joyfully when she was with them. Saturday morning breakfast at Russ' was cherished family time. As a grandmother, she was loving, supportive, and fully present, always reflecting her love and pride in her grandchildren. Through their 67 years of marriage, Helen and Franklin loved one another deeply, and their marriage was a wonderful gift for the entire family. Through their actions and words, Helen and Frank showed their family how to build a marriage rooted in love, faith, and mutuality. Though Helen experienced various challenges and physical pain, she never once complained; she didn't want to bother others with it and had a high degree of pain tolerance.

As we celebrate Helen's life, may we find much comfort in our many treasured memories. May we also find comfort in carrying Helen's legacy forward. In each moment we relish time with family, cheer on our loved ones' endeavors, bring order to chaos, choose faith over fear, and generously care for others, we keep Helen's memory alive and inspiring others as she so inspired each of us.

Helen Louise Dieleman, age 95, peacefully entered her heavenly home May 8, 2025, with her loving family at her side. Helen was born May 23, 1929, in Grand Rapids to the late Fredric and Lucy (Helmus) Johnson. She was also preceded in death by her husband of 67 years, Franklin Dieleman; brother, Robert Johnson; and brother-in-law, James Pyp. Helen is survived by her children, James Dieleman, Bruce (Jan) Dieleman, Mary Jo (Gary) Berkenpas, Calvin (Michelle) Dieleman, Paul (Kathie) Dieleman; grandchildren, Andy (Karla) Dieleman, Lindsay Zomberg, Nick (Bethany) Dieleman, Ross (Rachel) Dieleman, Steve (Emily) Dyk, Amy Dyk, Kathryn Carl, Caleb Dieleman, Calee Dieleman, Madison (Kyle) Kroll, Allison (Jordan) Kamer, Evan (Sarah) Dieleman, Adam Dieleman; and 23 great-grandchildren. Also surviving are her sister, Gloria (Hank) VanderVelde; sisters-in-law, Joanne Johnson and Charlotte Pyp; and several nieces and nephews. A funeral service will be held Thursday, May 15, 2025, at 11 AM at Heritage Life Story Funeral Homes, Van Strien-Creston Chapel, 1833 Plainfield Ave NE. Friends may visit with her family beginning at 10 AM. Interment will be in Fairplains Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the Raybrook Benevolent Fund or the American Diabetes Association. To read more of Helen's Life Story, leave a memory, or sign the guestbook, please visit www.heritagelifestory.com.