Helenmae Wiederkehr

1925 - 2017

Helenmae Wiederkehr, age 91, passed awayJanuary 2, 2017 at her home in Palmer, Alaska. Helenmae was born and raised in Salem, Oregon. In 1943 she and her mother moved to Newport, Rhode Island where she worked at a torpedo factory. Many of her fondest memories were from her Rhode Island years.

After the war, she returned to Oregon where she met and married Loren Wiederkehr. The traveled to Alaska on their honeymoon. After a winter in Palmer they purchased land on Scott Road. The city girl became a pioneer and a farmer. Together Loren and Helenmae built a thriving farm.

Helenmae loved people and gave generously of her time. She was a member of Beta Sigma Phi for over 60 years, she was an active member of the United Protestant Church, and was involved in the early years of the Palmer Library. Helenmae will be remembered most for her many years of service to the Palmer Food Bank. She worked her last shift there just a few days prior to her death.

She was a loving mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. She is survived by her children, Sandy Nehl of Yelm WA, Becky and Jack Wilber of Gilbertsville NY, Billy and Gloria Wiederkehr, and Pam and Brian Bue of Palmer.

She is also survived by 5 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her grandson Captain James Nehl and her beloved husband Loren Wiederkehr. In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to the Palmer Food Bank. Service will be held at 1:00pm Saturday January 7th at the United Protestant Church in Palmer.