Gerben HELDER

GERBEN HELDER Gerben Helder, 79, of Rainycrest Home for the Aged, 550 Osborne St., Fort Frances, Ont., and formerly of Bergland, Ont., passed away at his residence Monday, Sept. 13, 2004. Gerben was born Feb. 19, 1925 in Drachten, Holland to the late Sjoerd and Sietke Helder. He immigrated to Canada in 1928 and settled in Bergland, where he lived until moving to Rainycrest in Fort Frances in 2002. He had logged in the district and also had guided, drove truck, and was an equipment operator. He enjoyed fishing, hunting, and snowmobiling. He also loved to visit, and enjoyed his get-together with family and friends. Gerben was united in marriage in May, 1957 to the former Carol Fadden, who predeceased him in 1975. He also was predeceased by his brothers, John, Sam, and John Helder; and sister, Grace Froome. He will be sadly missed by his children, Karen Helder (Carman Selman) of Nestor Falls, Ont., and Beverly (Ken) Olson and Norma (Ed) Peterson, all of Bergland, Ont. Also surviving are his grandchildren, Lindsey, Stephanie, Becky, Amanda, Justin, Erik, Jenna, Kyle, Brittany, and Abigail; his great-grandchild, Star; his siblings, Jane Vanderzee of Brandon, Man., Verna (Chris) Meulenkamp of Transcona, Man., Tina (Ted) Lundgren of Bergland, Ont., Ulke (Hannah) Helder of Bergland, Ont., and Rina (Sjoerd) Helder of Drachten, Holland; as well as numerous nieces and nephews. Funeral services were held Friday, Sept. 17, 2004 at 1 p.m. at the Bergland Hall in Bergland. Pastor Carolyn Kreger officiated, with interment in the Bergland Cemetery in Bergland. The pallbearers were James, Bill, and Barry Lundgren, Randy Morrison, Keith Stromstead, and Dennis and John Helder. The honourary pallbearers were Bob Tofte, Margaret Kreger, Ken and Rose Kreger, Gary and Dianne Brandt, Keith and Cindy Stromstead, Randy and Brenda Morrison, Jim and Marjorie Meeks, George Knockeart, Glen Knockeart, Jill Philippot, Christine Carpenter, Dale and Margie Johnsrud, Chuck and Dorothy Gate, and Mel and Candy Olson. In memoriam donations may be made to the charity of your choice.