Helen was born June 5, 1940, in Springfield, IL, the daughter of August Sr. and Marie (Dressendorfer) Geist.
Helen graduated from Sacred Heart Academy, class of 1958, in Springfield, IL. She went on to work in the Advertising Department of the State Journal Register for 23 years before retiring.
She was preceded in death by her parents, August Sr. and Marie; husband, Delbert Van Dyke; and son, Randall Peddycoart.
Helen is survived by her children, Mark (Tina) Peddycoart of Petersburg, IL, Letitia “Tish” (David) McCafferty of Rochester, IL, Crystal (Rich) Greenwald of Bloomington, IL, April (Lee) MacDonald of Roswell, GA, Dawn Kil of Marietta, GA, and Pamela (Marty) Wounded Arrow; and numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Cremation will be provided by Butler Cremation Tribute Center.
Memorial Gathering: Family will receive friends from 9:00 a.m.-11:15 a.m. on Saturday, December 20, 2025, with the celebratory service beginning at 11:30 a.m. at Butler Funeral Home-Springfield, 900 S. 6th Street, Springfield, IL with Rev. Kathleen McCafferty officiating.
Burial will be held at a later date at Camp Butler National Cemetery in Springfield, IL.
Memorial contributions may be made to: Rochester United Methodist Church Youth and Senior Ministries in care of Miss Sue Endsley.
