Kenneth Helder

Kenneth Dale Helder, age 83, died peacefully on the morning of August 10, 2014, at the Appledorn Living Center after a courageous battle with ALS. He was lovingly cared for by his wife of 62 years Grace (Gemmy) Helder and his sons and daughter-in-laws: Jonathan and Kathie (McLeod) Helder; and Jeffrey and Nancy (Mooi) Helder.

Ken was born in Holland, Michigan to John and Mary (Grotenhuis) Helder in 1931, and he graduated from Holland High School. He was self-employed at Helder Decorating for most of his adult life, having painted and wallpapered in numerous residences and businesses in the greater Holland area. He was a member of Grace Episcopal Church ever since he and Grace were married there in 1952, where he served on the Vestry, sang in the choir, and was always ready to volunteer, especially if it involved using his skills as a painter.

He was humble, hard-working and honest. He measured the success of his life, not in monetary terms, but in the number of friendships that he developed and by that measure he was extremely successful. He was an avid softball player, playing fast pitch for many years and then sponsoring and playing on a slow pitch team into his sixties. He taught his sons to play baseball, and coached many of their Little League teams. He played or participated in tennis, golf, ping pong, cross country skiing, downhill skiing and horseshoes. One of his passions was horse back riding, which he was able to pursue well into his seventies. He loved the outdoors and annually went deer hunting in northern Michigan, as well as partridge and other small game hunting. He was a member of the Elks Club as well as the F.O.P. For many years, he was active in the Holland Windmill Chorus, and was named Barbershopper of the year early in his involvement with that group.

In addition to his wife and children, Ken is survived by his grandchildren: Elizabeth (Lisa) and Case Babcock, and David and Lauren Helder, as well as one great-grandchild, Gabriel David Helder. He is also survived by his brother-in-law, George J. Moeke and his wife Connie, sister and brother-in-law, Mary Spoor and John Spoor Jr., and as well as many nephews and nieces. He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Mary (Grotenhuis) Helder, and all of his siblings: James, Andrew, Gerald, Julius, Lyda Skaalen and Dorothy Pettinga, as well as his parents-in-law, George Moeke, Marie Moeke Spoor and John Spoor.

A memorial visitation will take place at Grace Episcopal Church in Holland, Michigan Saturday, August 16 at 9:00 am, with a memorial service to follow at 10:00 am, with the Rev. Jennifer Adams officiating.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions be given to Grace Episcopal Church Parish House and Hospice of Holland, Inc.