Helen Winette Bartlet

Helen Winette Bartelt, age 86 of Randolph, passed away on Thursday, September 11, 2008 at Golden Living Center – Continental Manor.

Helen was born on April 2, 1922 in Columbia County, the daughter of Ace and Jennie (Dykstra) Alderden. Following her graduation from the Randolph High School, she was employed at the International Implement in Randolph. On July 24, 1941, Helen married Bernard Bartelt in the Church Parsonage of the First Reformed Church of Randolph. They moved to California where Bernie was a truck driver until he was drafted into the United States Army. Helen came back to Randolph with her daughter to live with her parents during his station over seas. Upon his return, they farmed near Randolph until 1962, when they moved into the vacated parsonage where they were married. Helen worked part-time at Linck’s Electric, and was later employed as a bookkeeper for the Beaver Milk Transfer for twenty years. Helen enjoyed making afghans for her children and grandchildren. She was a life-long member of the First Reformed Church of Randolph where she taught Catechism and belonged to the Ladies Aid.

Helen is survived by six children, Marlene (Fred) Irwin, West Palm Beach, FL; Gerald (Linda) Bartelt; Linda (Eugene) Wiersma; Donna Bartelt, all of Randolph; Karen (Marvin) Wiersma, Cambria; and Cheryl (Jerry) Swaagman, Columbus; sixteen grandchildren; twenty-three great-grandchildren; her brother, Clarence (Marcella) Alderden; three sisters, Irene (Richard) Rothged, S.C.; Nettie (Arnold) Gallenbeck; Corrine (Frank) Kiekhaefer, both of Beaver Dam; three sisters-in-law; one brother-in-law, nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her husband in 1999; twin grandsons; her parents; and her brother Marvin.

Funeral services will be held 11:00 a.m. on Monday, September 15, 2008 at First Reformed Church, 406 South High Street, Randolph, with the Rev. Ben Bruins officiating. Burial will follow in the Randolph Cemetery.

The family will receive relatives and friends on Sunday, September 14, 2008 at the Randolph Community Funeral Home, 208 South High Street, from 4:00 – 8:00 p.m. and at the church on Monday from 10 a.m. until the hour of service.

A Memorial Fund has been established in Helen’s name.

“Helen’s family sends a special thanks to the staff of Continental Manor for the loving care expressed to their mother.”