Carol C. Helsing
RANDOLPH — Funeral services for Carol C. Helsing, 86, Randolph, will be 10:30 a.m., March 30, at the United Methodist Church, Randolph. Pastor Judy Carlson will officiate.
Burial will be in the Randolph City Cemetery.
Visitation and a prayer service were Tuesday at the United Methodist Church, Randolph.
Home for Funerals-Randolph is in charge of arrangements.
Carol died March 25, 2022, at Colonial Estates of Randolph.
Carol was born May 28, 1935, in Valparaiso, the daughter of Franklin and Abbie (Housel) Palmer. She graduated from Ceresco High School in 1952, after which she was employed at State Farm Insurance as the receptionist. Carol married Merlin Wendell Helsing Sept. 19, 1954, at the United Methodist Church, Raymond. The couple made their home in Wahoo. Later, they moved to Yutan and Wausa and to Madison, where she worked as a bookkeeper for Lee’s Superette, Norfolk, and sold Beeline Clothing. In 1972, they moved to Randolph. She worked at Star Clothing, Randolph House Cafe, Little Jo’s Café and sold Avon. Carol worked at Colonial Manor as the cook and food supervisor for 20 years, retiring in 2008.
Carol was a member of United Methodist Church, Randolph; the coffee choir and served as the president and treasurer of the United Methodist Women. She also taught Sunday school and was the superintendent for several years. She served as a 4-H Leader and a member of PEO. She enjoyed being part of Christian Women’s Club and Friendship Bible Coffees.
Her summers were spent planting and growing flowers and gardening. You could always find her in her flower beds, pulling weeds and listening to the birds. She collected tea pots, dolls and Christmas Cottages. She was a very generous person. If you ever mentioned that you liked something, it was likely she would give it to you. Carol sewed a lot, including her girls’ clothes when they were young, and she loved to bake.
She was a loving mother and devoted her life to her family. She loved music and anyone that knew her well knew her favorite color was purple.
Carol is survived by her six daughters and their spouses, Sheryl (Dave) Rehurek, Yankton, S.D.; Lori (Paul) Schutte, Wisner; Julie (Mike) Sauser, Plainview; Kathy (Kevin) Arens, Lincoln; Corinne (Paul) Schmit, Randolph; and Jennifer (Jeremy) Reineke, Gretna; 16 grandchildren, three step grandchildren and 20 great-grandchildren; one brother, Jim (Pam) Palmer, Lincoln; one sister, Harriet Ruebsamen, Lincoln; and brother-in-law, Ron (Nona) Helsing, Lincoln.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Merlin, in 2011; grandson, Matthew Brodersen; and great-grandson, Benjamin Sauser; two sisters, Diane Wing and Marla Chrastil; and three brothers, Art Palmer, Owen Palmer and Gary Palmer.