Janet Ann Helder

Janet “Jan” Ann (Fickies) Helder, devoted wife, mother, and grammie passed away peacefully surrounded by her loving family on December 31, 2025. She was 80 years old and a resident of Hopkins, Michigan.

She was born in Lansing, Michigan on April 17, 1945, to Max and Gladys (McClure) Fickies who preceded her in death. Jan was a graduate of Everett High School and Western Michigan University where she earned a secretarial degree and met the love of her life, Henry “Earl” Helder. For 33 years, she worked as the Secretary of Martin Reformed Church. She loved the people and serving the congregation in that way and was also very active in her church.

Jan is survived by her beloved husband, Earl, with whom she shared 59 years of marriage and their three children: Todd (Rachel) Helder, and their children, Emma, Leah, and Jake; Lisa (Scott) Hazard, and their children, Abbi (Elias) Seeman , Ellie (Thomas) Ban, Claire, and Seth; and Katie (Eric) Jager, and their children, Ryan, Ben, and Anna; and special nieces Amy (Doug) Porter and Tammy (Shaelesh) Bhat and their daughter, Lauren.

Visitation will be held from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. on Monday, January 5, 2026, at Martin Reformed Church, 1073 W. Allegan St., Martin, MI 49070. A funeral service will take place at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, January 6, 2026, also at Martin Reformed Church with a luncheon to follow, with interment to follow at Maplewood Cemetery.

While visiting Jan’s webpage at www.amsfuneralhomes.com please sign the guestbook and/or share a memory with the family.

The family is being assisted by the Avink, McCowen & Secord Funeral Homes and Cremation Society, 120 S. Woodhams St. Plainwell, MI 49080 (269-685-5881).

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Jan’s honor to Positive Options, 114 Chestnut St, Allegan, Michigan. Donations can be made online at: https://www.lpcenters.com/ways-to-give