Helen C. Powell's Obituary
Mrs. Helen Claire Sterenberg Peterman Powell went home to heaven on Thursday, June 1, 2006. She was the youngest of seven children of Harry and Clara (Retsema) Sterenberg. In October 1941, she married Charles R. Peterman and they were married for 34 years until his death in October of 1975. In December 1980 she married James N. Powell, who survives her. Helen was a member of Allen Avenue Christian Reformed Church, Berean Church, Church of the Open Door and Calvary Bible Church. Helen was a spirited, fun-loving person with an enthusiasm and zest for life. Her sense of humor and work-ethic were contagious. Her compassionate, servant personality will always be treasured by those who knew her. The deepest desire of her heart was to share eternity with her entire family. Helen leaves her husband, James Powell; her four children, David (Melinda) Peterman of Muskegon, Caroljean “Jeanie” (Rev. Daniel) Herlein of Elk Rapids, Charlotte (Daniel) McShannock of Midland, and Jerry (MaryLou) Peterman of Muskegon; ten grandchildren, Daniel (Amanda), Julie and Jana Peterman, Robert and William (Casey) VanKampen, Scott (Megan), Jason and Mark McShannock and Courtney and Elizabeth Peterman; five great-grandchildren; 3 step-children, Ruth Anne (David) Murphy of TN, James N. (Nora) Powell, Jr. of Kalamazoo, Richard E. (Wren) Powell of CA; step grandchildren and great grandchildren; a brother, Jay (Hazel) Sterenberg; a sister, Bernice Ossink; many beloved nieces and nephews and close friends. Helen was preceded in death by her husband, Charles “Chuck” Peterman; a daughter, Charlotte Ann who died in 1942; her parents; a brother Edward (Etch) Sterenberg; and sisters Alvina Barsema, Ethel Milkamp and Catherine Schuitema. SERVICES will be 12 Noon Monday at Sytsema Funeral Homes, Inc. 737 Apple Ave. 231-726-5210 with Rev. Daniel Herlein officiating. VISITATION: 4:30-6:00 PM Sunday. INTERMENT: Restlawn Cemetery. MEMORIALS: Teen Challenge or Muskegon Rescue Mission.
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