Evelyn J. Helt, 99, of Dakota City, NE, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, November 29, 2023, at a local care center. A memorial service will be held Monday, December 11 at 11:00 a.m. at Waterbury Funeral Service of Sioux City. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service. Abiding by her wishes, she was cremated, and interment will be at Memorial Park Cemetery.
Evelyn was born on August 3, 1924, in Spencer, IA to Raymond and Mildred (Baker) Droll. She graduated from Beaumont High School in St. Louis, MO. In 1943, she worked in a factory as a Sheet Metal Worker, earning a 'Rosie the Riveter' title during WWII. She met the love of her life, Vernon Helt and they married on October 11, 1944, at a Presbyterian Church in Sioux City, Iowa. They briefly lived in the San Diego, California area after Vernon was honorably discharged from the Navy. They returned to Sioux City in 1947 when their first child was born. They remained around the area, eventually settling in Dakota City where they resided until his passing in 2015.
She was an extraordinarily devoted wife and truly embraced this role. She was strong, capable and tireless. She was referred to as the most photographed woman in the Midwest, as she was her husband's muse and favorite subject. She will be remembered for all the love she shared with family and friends. Evelyn dedicated her life to being a mother and eventually godmother, grandmother and great grandmother. As a homemaker, she became the foundation of a large family. Always organized, she balanced social engagements with supporting her husband, and raising six incredible children. She truly knew how to make a house feel like a home. She welcomed her kids, grandkids and great grandkids and any friends or significant others they brought along for drop-in visits at any hour. She had a place at her table for all and would always have a drink and snack along with a smile and hug. Her greatest joys were found in big holiday gatherings and making sure everyone was well fed. She was the most generous person and loved to give small gifts to visitors as a token of her affection. Evelyn also opened her heart to many pets throughout her life, having both canine and feline companions. All have crossed the rainbow bridge and were waiting to greet her.
Those left to honor her memory include her daughter Ellen Kerr and her husband Don of Le Mars, IA., son Varick and his wife Candace of Wildwood, FL., daughter-in-law Julie of Sioux City, IA and daughter-in-law Donna of Lincoln, NE; 16 grandchildren, 34 great grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.
She is preceded in death by her husband Vernon; sons: Victor, Vincent and Valdemar; daughter Erika; parents Raymond and Mildred; sisters Leah, Peggy, Molly and Nancy; brothers Raymond and John.
Evelyn J. Helt, 99, of Dakota City, NE, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, November 29, 2023, at a local care center. A memorial service will be held Monday, December 11 at 11:00 a.m. at Waterbury Funeral Service of Sioux City. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service. Abiding by her wishes, she was cremated, and interment will be at Memorial Park Cemetery.
Evelyn was born on August 3, 1924, in Spencer, IA to Raymond and Mildred (Baker) Droll. She graduated from Beaumont High School in St. Louis, MO. In 1943, she worked in a factory as a Sheet Metal Worker, earning a 'Rosie the Riveter' title during WWII. She met the love of her life, Vernon Helt and they married on October 11, 1944, at a Presbyterian Church in Sioux City, Iowa. They briefly lived in the San Diego, California area after Vernon was honorably discharged from the Navy. They returned to Sioux City in 1947 when their first child was born. They remained around the area, eventually settling in Dakota City where they resided until his passing in 2015.
She was an extraordinarily devoted wife and truly embraced this role. She was strong, capable and tireless. She was referred to as the most photographed woman in the Midwest, as she was her husband's muse and favorite subject. She will be remembered for all the love she shared with family and friends. Evelyn dedicated her life to being a mother and eventually godmother, grandmother and great grandmother. As a homemaker, she became the foundation of a large family. Always organized, she balanced social engagements with supporting her husband, and raising six incredible children. She truly knew how to make a house feel like a home. She welcomed her kids, grandkids and great grandkids and any friends or significant others they brought along for drop-in visits at any hour. She had a place at her table for all and would always have a drink and snack along with a smile and hug. Her greatest joys were found in big holiday gatherings and making sure everyone was well fed. She was the most generous person and loved to give small gifts to visitors as a token of her affection. Evelyn also opened her heart to many pets throughout her life, having both canine and feline companions. All have crossed the rainbow bridge and were waiting to greet her.
Those left to honor her memory include her daughter Ellen Kerr and her husband Don of Le Mars, IA., son Varick and his wife Candace of Wildwood, FL., daughter-in-law Julie of Sioux City, IA and daughter-in-law Donna of Lincoln, NE; 16 grandchildren, 34 great grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.
She is preceded in death by her husband Vernon; sons: Victor, Vincent and Valdemar; daughter Erika; parents Raymond and Mildred; sisters Leah, Peggy, Molly and Nancy; brothers Raymond and John.
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