Helen Heilman

​

Helen (Vander Haar) Heilman, age 90, of Jenison, went to be with her Lord and Savior on January 30, 2022. She was preceded in death by her husband of nearly 50 years, Gerald; granddaughter, Tina Heilman; sister and brother-in-law, Evelyn and Frank Grimm; brothers, Peter Vander Haar and Billy Vander Haar; sisters-in-law, Judy Vander Haar and Fern Steenwyk; and brother-in-law, Ray Plaisier. Helen was a wonderful wife, mother, grandmother, and friend. Those were her favorite roles, and she did them with unconditional love. Gerry and Helen took many trips but were never gone too long because there were children waiting back home. Helen enjoyed camping, quilting, growing flowers, volunteering, spoiling her family, and baking. Many friends and family were lucky recipients of her homemade pies. Helen loved spending time with her grandchildren and created many memories with them picking strawberries, going to the trailer at Wabasis Lake, baking blueberry muffins and chocolate chip cookies, reading books, watching movies, and playing games. She will be greatly missed by her five children, Robert and Valerie Heilman, Cheryl and James Kampfschulte, David and Lori Heilman, Brenda and Douglas Vander Lee, Jann and Steven McCullick; grandchildren, Kirk Heilman, Linda and Knoa Knapper, Julie and Jake Schrock, Brielle and Brett Jager, Ross and Liz Heilman, Sara and Aaron Bosch, Brad and Haley Vander Lee, Brian Vander Lee, Caitlin McCullick, Erinn and Adam Trask, Collin and Emmaleah McCullick, Grace and Carter Rodriguez; 16 great-grandchildren; brothers and sisters, Bert Vander Haar, George and Sharon Vander Haar, Pete Vander Haar, Frank Vander Haar, Greta and Sherwin Heyboer, Betty and Delbert Heilman; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Howard Steenwyk, Darlene Plaisier, Michon and David Musick; cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends. Relatives and friends may meet the family Wednesday from 5-8 pm at Matthysse Kuiper DeGraaf Funeral Home (Grandville) 4145 Chicago Dr. SW. Funeral services will be held at the funeral home at 11 am on Thursday, February 3, 2022 with Pastor Don Van Slyke officiating. The family would like to thank Brookcrest Rehab & Life Center (Mission Point) where mom stole the hearts of the staff and was wonderfully cared for over the past five years. Those who wish may make memorial contributions to Baldwin St. CRC where Gerry and Helen were charter members or to Sunset Legacy Foundation.