Helen Nielsen Obituary
Helen Louise Nielsen, 86, of Gowen, Michigan, passed away on November 10, 2025. The daughter of Kenneth & Margery (VanVlerah) Goodwin, Helen was born on May 3, 1939 in Greenville and was a 1957 graduate of Greenville High School.
She married Delos Julius Nielsen on August 17, 1957 and enjoyed nearly 68 years of marriage. They raised three children, Deb, Nancy and Tim. Helen was a homemaker until she began working at Sears and later Kalfact Plastics after her children were grown. Helen was a wonderful seamstress and made several clothes and Halloween costumes for her grandkids. She also enjoyed decorating cakes for birthdays and other events.
Anyone who knew Helen knew that her great grandkids were her greatest joy. She talked about them constantly. Helen was also a long-time member of Oakfield Baptist Church where she served many years in the nursery and taught Sunday School.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Delos; parents; Kenneth & Margery Goodwin, siblings; Phyllis & Louis Russell, Gordon & Diane Goodwin, Sharon Goodwin and Russ Varney; granddaughter; Brittney Krantz, in-laws; Hans Julius & Marion Nielsen, siblings-in-law; Helen & Albertus Tiesma, Frances & Mark Hoppough and Rex & Shirley Nielsen.
Surviving are her children, Deb & Rick VanSloten, Nancy & Al Reynhout, Tim & Tonja Nielsen; her grandchildren, Alicia & Ben Barnard, Ryan & Ashley VanSloten, Natalie Nielsen, Nicole & Derek Middlecamp, Jason VanSloten, Andrew & Kacie Nielsen, and Allison & Levi McAlvey; eleven great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.
A combined celebration remembering Helen and Delos will be planned for the future. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial contributions be directed to Oakfield Baptist Church, 11128 14 Mile Road N.E., Rockford, MI 49341
To send a message of sympathy to the family, sign Helen's online guest book, or to share a favorite memory, please visit: www.MichiganCremation.com
Cremation arrangements are entrusted to Christiansen's Michigan Cremation & Funeral Care, Greenville, 616-754-5638.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
511 S. Franklin Street, Greenville, MI 48838
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