Helen A. Barkmeier

Helen A. Barkmeier, 89, died of a stroke following complications from surgery this past Monday. Her death occurred at 9:20 a.m. Friday, July 25, 2003 in the St. Joseph Regional Medical Center, Plymouth.
A lifetime resident of Marshall County, Helen resided at 219 Lewis St. Plymouth. She was born at home on July 17, 1914 to parents Orval W. and Della S. Rush Harris. Helen attended Inwood and Linkville schools and then Plymouth High School.
Through the years Helen had worked at such locations as Meck Industries, Parkview Hospital, Waranna Motel and retired from Plymouth High School after 10 years of service.
On September 24, 1938 in Plymouth she married Raymond H. Barkmeier of Harvey, Illinois, who preceded her in death on June 4, 1971.
She was a faithful member of the Plymouth Grace Baptist Church over the past 10 years where she was active in the Adult Sunday School class. Helen enjoyed reading and studying the Bible, baking, flower and vegetable gardening from which she canned for family meals. She treasured family heirlooms, shopping and knitting.
Helen was a proud mother of one son, David R. Barkmeier a professor at Northeastern University, Boston, Mass., now residing in Somerville, Mass. Also surviving are two sisters-in-law; Deloris Harris of Delphi, Ind. and Violet Barkmeier of South Bend, Ind. along with several nieces, nephews and great nieces and nephews including Betty Jane Shoemaker and Bill Harris.
Many cousins survive, including Marge DeMein and Mary Lou and Walter DeMein, all of Plymouth with whom she grew very close. Not to be forgotten are special friends, Pastor Jim and Sue Rhodes and son Jonathon, Pastor Leonard and Leona Jackson, Dorothy Heuer and Louise Breeden.
Preceding Helen in death were her parents, spouse, infant brother, Victor Harris, brother Harvey Harris and niece Carol Sue Britt.
Family and friends will gather to celebrate Helen’s Christian reward on Sunday, July 27th from 2 – 5 p.m. in the Johnson-Danielson Funeral Home, 1100 N. Michigan St. Plymouth. Visitation will continue from 10 – 11 a.m. Monday in the Grace Baptist Church, 1830 N. Michigan St. Plymouth, where services will be held at 11 a.m. Rev. Pete Wardlow, Pastor and Rev. Jim Rhodes will officiate.
Burial will follow in the Oakhill Cemetery, Plymouth.
Memorial gifts in Helen’s memory may be made to the Grace Baptist Church or National Stroke Association, 9707 E. Easter Lane, Englewood, CO 80112.