September 14, 1919 – June 23, 2014
Our Mother, Helen, was born at the family home in Prairie View, KS, on September 14, 1919, to George and Mabel (Duff) Van Der Wege. She was the third of six siblings. Mom completed her long journey on this earth on June 23, 2014, at the age of 94. She is now in her Heavenly Home, joined once again with her husband of over 60 years.
Mom graduated from Prairie View High School in 1937. She then joined her family in Denver, CO. It was in Denver that she met her future husband, Andrew “Andy” Wassenaar. They were married on August 27, 1943. They Dairy farmed in the Denver area for the next 20 years. During that time all 4 of their children were born. In 1963, the family moved to a ranch in western Colorado between New Castle and Silt, CO. Upon retirement in 1982, Mom and Dad moved to Grand Junction, CO, and spent the rest of their lives there.
Our Mother’s life was devoted to her family. Besides being a homemaker, she helped with all the farm/ranch work, raised large gardens, and helped her children with school and 4-H projects, etc. Mom loved cooking, baking, canning, and sharing with others. Besides being an expert seamstress, Mom sewed leather clothing and other leather items professionally. Her greatest love was time with her family and living her Christian values each day of her life. Mom was a member of Liberty Baptist Church of Grand Junction, CO.
Mom is survived by her 4 children, Paul of Grand Junction, CO; Ann (Richard) White of Palisade, CO; Janine of Aurora, CO; and Edwin of New Castle; CO. She has 5 grandchildren, Michelle (Chris) Bohan, Matthew “Matt” Wassenaar, Piper (Travis) Ward, Ashley (Frank) Hajek, and Kolbey Wassenaar; 6 great-grandchildren, Braiden, Lauryn and Luvlyn Ward, Zayley, Makenna and Lanie Hajek. Other surviving family members are sister Roma Dean Laugheed, of Harlingen, TX; Dick (Elnor) Van Der Wege, of Linsborg, KS; and sister-in-law, Laverne Wassenaar, of Denver, CO.
Helen was preceded in death by her husband, Andy; grandson, Kevin Ewing; and three sisters, Irene Brooks, Vivian Jansonius and Mary Lou Hankins.
We extend our deepest gratitude to Hope West Hospice (Team 5) for all the wonderful care Mom received and the support to our family. Also, to Gail, Mom’s personal caregiver for over 7 years. Thank you for the care and love you shared with her.
Graveside services will be held at 1:30 PM, Friday, June 27, 2014 at Memorial Gardens Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Mom’s name to HopeWest Hospice, 3090B N. 12th Street, Grand Junction, CO.
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