Helga's Memory Wall
We encourage you to share your most beloved memories of Helga here, so that the family and other loved ones can always see it. Share your favorite stories or comment on those shared by others.
I worked with Helga for a few years at Roosevelt Elementary before she went to teach at the Middle School. She was always kind, funny, and hard-working! After my second year of teaching at Roosevelt I became pregnant with our daughter who is now 26. She knitted me the cutest pink-hooded sweater as a baby gift. I still have it today to give to my own grand-daughter someday. I was always amazed that Helga had the time to bake yummy treats and bread and bring them in for us on a regular basis. She was such a yummy baker and cook! I'll never forget her twinkling eyes, smile, and her strict but caring way. She was an outstanding teacher I wish my own children had had the chance to have as their teacher. So sorry for your loss! I hope you can find comfort in faith and fond memories of your mother, sister, grand-mother, and friend. Rest in peace Helga.
Sincerely,
Deanna Chorny
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Deanna Chorny
October 10th, 2019 at 4:07pm
Helga was a dear lady and a pleasure to call a friend. She has left a legacy in the students she taught. I will always see her lovely smile when I think of her. Î am sure Fred was waiting at the pearl gates with a smile and an embrace for Helga. Together forever... that makes me smile.
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Linda Ward
October 5th, 2019 at 10:51pm
Randy and Heidi, I am so sorry for the loss of your wonderful Mom. I loved teaching with her at the Middle School and many of the amazing talks we had after school. She was truly a special lady that had a way of making you feel privileged. I also was honored to give her speech at her retirement party. Helga's bake goods were the best and were the hit of the lounge. She will be missed by all. I loved this lady and loved calling her my friend. So Sorry for your loss.
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Barbara Lange
October 4th, 2019 at 12:02pm
Helga (Mrs. Helling) was my mentor teacher at Rosevelt School. Our styles were very similar, and we enjoyed each other’s company. I complemented her on a wooden “teacher apple” on her desk with her name. Upon leaving her classroom, she had one made for me... I still have it to this day!❤️ And to this day, I taught from a cart, just like Helga. No matter what school or room I was very in over the years, i HAD to have a cart, just like Helga!❤️
I know God has her in the palm of His hands now.
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Gina Balbo
October 1st, 2019 at 2:25pm
Helga was a caring, compassionate teacher to my children and a wonderful colleague to me at Roosevelt and Lakeshore Middle School. My deepest sympathies go to her family. Rest In Peace, Helga! ❤️
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Judy Thomas
October 1st, 2019 at 12:22pm
I loved working with Helga (Helgeeee, as Mr. Reed called her) at Roosevelt. She always had a smile on her face and loved teaching her students. She pushed them hard, but they loved her and the German candies that they were rewarded (which I never learned how to pronounce). I will never forget the trip my wife and I took to California with Fred and Helga at Christmastime in 1989 in their conversion van. We had two snow days in a row at school on the last two days of school before vacation and they closed 94 behind us as we escaped Michigan. We drove straight through to California so they could spend Christmas with Heidi and Randy and my wife and I could spend it with my parents only stopping for gas and food at Helga's favorite Shoney's Truck Stops. Randy joined us on the drive back doing the bulk of the driving. The trip was full of laughter and German Christmas carols. So sorry, Randy and Heidi, for your loss.....your mom was a special woman. May God comfort you during this difficult time. Tim Worrell
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Tim Worrell
October 1st, 2019 at 3:11am
Mrs. Helling was my 5th grade teacher at Hollywood elementary school back in the 60's. She was instrumental in organizing a spelling bee for our group, of which we participated with area schools. She and her husband gave our group a ride in the hearse,( as her husband worked as a mortician at that time), to and from the spelling bee. But, alas, we lost the contest!. But that is one of my fond memories of childhood school days at Hollywood.
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Andrea Barowicz
September 30th, 2019 at 8:43pm
I had Mrs. Helling for 6th grade social studies. She pushed us to be our best, was strict, but was kind and we knew that she cared about us. I loved hearing her life stories, and I remember learning about the Middle Ages, castles, and having to know the location and how to spell every country in Europe. She was such a caring woman and she will be truly missed. She left a lasting impression on me, and was one of the reasons I became a middle school teacher. My deepest condolences to her family.
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Amy Gildelamadrid. Jones
September 30th, 2019 at 4:54pm
To the Helling Family: Our family loved your mother so very much. Both of my children had her in 5th grade at Roosevelt. I thank you for sharing your mom with the many children that she taught. She was very kind and patient. I appreciated our conversations and being able to talk about our love for Jesus. I know you will have a great void in your life's but we will meet again on the other side.
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Vicki Behr
September 30th, 2019 at 2:25pm
Heidi & Randy, my deepest condolences at the loss of your Mom. Your Dad and Mom meant a lot to my family. Her dedication to teaching I'm sure was an inspiration for many. Blessings to you both and your families.
Manfred Tatzmann
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Manfred Tatzmann
September 30th, 2019 at 10:17am
Mom loved teaching with Helga at Roosevelt Elementary, and I loved learning from her at Stevensville Elementary.
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Aaron Niemi
September 29th, 2019 at 10:24pm
Remembering you with warmth, Helga, and the love I experienced being with you and your family. You and Fred were gifts not only to your family, but to extended family and friends, school, church, and community. I was one of those recipients. Blessings and peace to you, Heidi, Randy, and family. My love to you.- Phil Ebersole
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Phil Ebersole
September 29th, 2019 at 9:37pm
I had Mrs. Helling for homeroom, English, and art in 6th grade and again for German later in middle school. She helped me stop saying the word "like" a million times! I have thought fondly about my time in her class many times over the years. She connected with me and helped nurture my love of school. I am sad to hear about her passing. Love to her family. Know she made a lasting impact on me.
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Becky Keogh
September 29th, 2019 at 9:29pm
To the Helling family-
Mrs.Helling was a truly amazing person. She was a wonderful teacher. She made learning fun. She taught me about life and the German language. I loved hearing her tell her life story. She is a great example of the American dream. I know she touched the lives of many others. God bless. My prayers are with you.
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Lindsay (Archey) Chadrick
September 29th, 2019 at 9:24pm
