Helen Strefling

Helen Strefling, 90, of Galien passed away on Monday, April 25, 2011 at her daughter’s home in Baroda.

Funeral services will be held at 11 AM Friday, April 29, 2011 at Trinity Lutheran Church, Sawyer with Reverend Roberto Becerro officiating. Burial will be in New Troy Cemetery. Friends may meet with the family from 5-8 PM Thursday at Pike Funeral Home, Boyd Chapel, 9191 Red Arrow Hwy., Bridgman. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be given to Trinity Lutheran Church in Sawyer.

Helen was born February 28, 1921in Berrien Springs on the family farm, the daughter of the late Herman and Ottilia (Ragus) Rudlaff. On May 30, 1942 she married Paul Strefling and he preceded her in death on Dec. 23, 2008. Helen and Paul raised their family on the farm and worked side by side for 66 years. Together they traveled to many parts of the world, but home was always at the farm. She belonged to Trinity Lutheran Church in Sawyer. She enjoyed gardening, raising flowers and cooking for the entire family. She was a devoted wife, mother and grandmother and will be greatly missed.

Survivors include her four children – Warren (Judy) Strefling of Galien, Carol (Phil) Falak of Baroda, Edith (Roger) Styburski of Buchanan, and Timothy Strefling of Galien; a daughter-in-law, Sandra Strefling of Galien; 12 grandchildren, 20 great grandchildren, one great great grandson; one brother, Paul Rudlaff, of Niles; two sisters: Dorothy (Lee) Vance of California and her baby sister, Eleanor Hoge of Baroda.

Helen was also preceded in death by one son, Allen Strefling, in 2007; a grandson, Paul Timothy Strefling in 2009 and nine brothers and three sisters.

Visitation

Thursday April 28, 2011 , 5 - 8 PM at Pike Funeral Home, Boyd Chapel

Funeral Service

Friday April 29, 2011 , 11 AM at Trinity Lutheran Church - Sawyer

Burial

Friday April 29, 2011 at New Troy Cemetery