Memorials › Helen Louise Baldwin Atwater

Helen Louise Baldwin Atwater

7 Aug 1923 – 21 Oct 2016

Birth7 Aug 1923
Death21 Oct 2016
CemeteryGreeley Cemetery
Greeley , Greeley County , Nebraska , USA
Added byShari H on 09 Jul 2023
FaGhttps://www.findagrave.com/memorial/171709699

Bio

GREELEY — The heavens are rejoicing with the arrival of Helen Louise Baldwin Atwater, 93, of Greeley. Helen joined her beloved Frank on Friday, Oct. 21, 2016, leaving behind a rich legacy of love for her family and friends who celebrate a life well lived. Born Aug. 7, 1923, to Voris J. and Flossie Mae Baldwin, Helen was a lifelong resident of Greeley, with a sojourn to Shreveport, La., following her marriage to Frank Atwater in 1941. When Frank was drafted to fight during World War II, she returned to Greeley. During the war, Helen worked at a Gilson’s Variety Store and was sought after to sing at the funerals for fallen soldiers. After the war, she and Frank became co-owners of her father-in-law’s gas station, which eventually become part of the Independent Oil Co., a family business that included a service station, motel and operation of school buses for Greeley’s public and Catholic schools. In addition to raising her family, Helen did bookkeeping for the business, drove to St. Paul and Grand Island for auto parts, and ferried kindergartners to and from school in her car. Helen was involved in an array of activities supporting her children and community. She was a trustee of the Greeley United Methodist Church, member and officer of the United Methodist Women and longtime member of the American Legion Auxiliary. She was a 4-H leader for more than 10 years, taught Sunday School, and was a volunteer at both Greeley Public School and Greeley Care Home. She also served on the Greeley County Election Board. Throughout their marriage Helen and Frank enjoyed traveling, alone and with their five children. Following his retirement, they traveled extensively throughout the U.S., Canada, Hawaii, Alaska and England. Helen continued to travel after Frank’s death and was ever ready for an adventure, be it with her children and their families or on her own. She added Israel, Mexico, Ireland and Europe to her long list of destinations. Helen was a voracious reader and rarely missed the daily newspaper. She was interested in and well informed about current events, and encouraged her children to do likewise in the belief that our responsibilities as world citizens extend beyond our front doors. She enjoyed many hobbies, including reading, crossword puzzles and knitting. Out of love for Frank, she even learned to water ski, despite her fear of the water. She especially enjoyed doting on her grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren. With an extended family that numbered in the dozens, holiday gatherings were scenes of controlled chaos, humor and celebration. No one left the table hungry, and there was always enough for anyone who showed up. Her table was the scene of many animated conversations, about topics ranging from Nebraska football to world affairs. She encouraged civil discourse and was known to “throw in the towel” if things went too far astray. Her children frequently accused her of defending their spouses, a charge she did not deny. Helen never owned a dishwasher. She encouraged the bonding that took place in the kitchen, whether in preparing the family feast or cleaning the mountain of dishes that remained. She wouldn’t have it any other way. She was guided by her faith and an abiding love of God, which guided her keen sense of right and wrong. She had a great sense of humor and love for her fellow humans, and strove to find the best in every person and situation. She was an inspiration to all who knew her, was glad to lend a hand at a moment’s notice, and was a source of great admiration for her family. Helen was preceded in death by her husband, Frank, who died Oct. 21, 1989. She also was preceded in death by her parents, V.J. and Flossie Baldwin; brothers, Marion, Gene, Donald and John (Ed); and her sister, Georgia Mae Stoffel; as well as longtime family friend, Kathy Hartley. Carrying on her legacy, Helen is survived by her son, Franklin (Janet); daughters, Helen Jean Atwater (Marvin Taylor) of Omaha, Linda Saylor (Richard) of Grand Island, Gail Atwater (Michael Haas) of Lago Vista, Texas, and Kay Nagorski (Blaine) of St. Paul; as well as 10 grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren and two great-great grandchildren. Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 29, at Greeley United Methodist Church. The Rev. Toni Nolze will officiate. A private burial will take place following the service at the Greeley Cemetery.

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