Mr. Judson J.
Helder, aged 87, went to be with his Lord and Savior on
Wednesday, August 5, 2009. Born January 3, 1922 to Gerrit and Jennie
Helder,
they moved to Grand Rapids in 1929, went to Baldwin Christian
Elementary
School, and then to Davis Tech for high school. He worked for American
Seating
and was then called into service during World War II. He was injured
during
service to his country and served from December, 1942 - November, 1945.
He
married Julia (Judy) Chase on July 10, 1942, a marriage which produced
four
children and lasted for 61 years, until Judy's passing on September 10,
2003.
Upon returning from World War II, he went to Davenport Institute and
was
employed by Blue Arrow Truck Line from 1946 to 1984, when he retired.
Working
his way through the ranks, he became equipment director for both trucks
and
trailers, and in 1966, became financial director for the firm. He was a
member
of the Michigan Trucking Association and other Michigan trucking
financial associations.
In non-work related areas, he served as a member of the school board
for
Mayfield Christian School. He was a member of Mayfair Christian
Reformed Church
since 1929, and he served a term as elder there. Upon his retirement,
he and
Judy were able to winter in Florida for many years. Summering on Gun
Lake since
1955, they moved to Gun Lake and became permanent residents in 1975. He
will be
remembered by many for his sense of humor, his ability to make a
stranger to a
friend and his devotion to those he loved. He enjoyed chocolate ice
cream to
the end. Survivors include Judith Helder and partner, Robin Blackstone,
Gary
Helder, Valerie Lane and partner, Kim Sanwald, and Brian Helder, and
many
brothers and sisters. He was able to stay in his beloved home on Gun
Lake, due
to the patient care of his son, Gary. Funeral services will be held
Monday,
1:30 p.m. with Rev. Jack De Jong officiating. Interment Chapel Hill
Memorial
Gardens. Visitation will be held Sunday 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. at the
funeral
chapel. Memorial contributions may be made to Barry Community Hospice.
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