Helen M. Horn
December 21, 1943 – June 14, 2021
A visitation will be held at Joldersma & Klein Funeral Home on Monday, June 21, 2021, from 2:00 – 4:00 and 6:00 – 8:00 PM. A graveside service will take place on Tuesday, June 22 at 10:30 AM at Genessee Prairie Cemetery on the corner of 11th St. and Parkview Ave. in Kalamazoo. Memorial contributions in memory of Helen may be made to Kairos Dwelling.
Obituary
Age 77, went to her heavenly home on Monday, June 14, 2021, peacefully in her sleep. Helen was born on December 21, 1943, the daughter of the late Ralph David, Sr. and Elizabeth Anna (Multhaupt) Brown. She was proud of being born on the shortest day of the year, the year of the lead penny and being left-handed. Helen grew up in Vicksburg and graduated from Vicksburg High School, class of 1961. While in high school, she was a cheerleader, a member of the Lucinda Hinsdale Stone Chapter of the DAR and was in the quintet, The Five Pennies. She attended Northwoods Institute, WMU and Kalamazoo Valley Community College where she received her associate degree. Helen started her career at WKMI AM Radio and in 1967, started working at WMU from where she retired in 2005. At WMU, she served as secretary to the Dean of Engineering and then worked for Dr. Harley Behm in the Department of Transportation and Technology (now the Department of Aviation). During the last ten years of her career, she served as Budget Specialist in the Provost Office. Helen was the first Certified Professional Secretary (CPS) at WMU. She was a longtime member of the Portage United Church of Christ where she served on many boards and committees, as well as being church moderator for two years. Helen had a soft spot in her heart for her church. She was a charter member of the Breakfast Optimist Club of Kalamazoo (BOCK), served as its Secretary-Treasurer and had perfect attendance for the past 30 years. Family was especially important to her. Helen is survived by her husband and VHS classmate, David Horn; children, Kathryn “Kathy” (Dave Kerley) Abts-Kerley of Allegan and Thomas “Tom” (Kathy) Pressey of Kalamazoo; grandchildren, Joshua (Stephanie) Abts, Nichele Abts, Riley Pressey, Sydney Pressey, Ian (Keely) Kerley, Gabriel Kerley, Connor Pressey, Ashlynn Kerley and Alexis “Lexi” Pressey; great-grandchildren, Noah Abts, Kameron Abts and James Kerley; like her daughter, Sharon (Mike) VanDyken of Rockford; life-long friend and classmate, James R. Haas of Kalamazoo; “BFF”, Joann Smith of Paw Paw; siblings, Nancy (Otto) Decker of Vicksburg, Ralph David, Jr. (Wendy) Brown of Bay City, Patricia (Paul) Weber of Kalamazoo, Elizabeth (William) Bushouse of Kalamazoo and John (Laurie) Brown of Kalamazoo; and many nieces, nephews and cousins. Helen was preceded in death by her brother, Robert Brown; two nieces and a nephew; mother in-law, Audrey K. (Horn) Baugh; and special friends, Tami Porter, Marilyn Brown and Karen Schuring. A visitation will be held at Joldersma & Klein Funeral Home on Monday, June 21, 2021, from 2:00 – 4:00 and 6:00 – 8:00 PM. A graveside service will take place on Tuesday, June 22 at 10:30 AM at Genessee Prairie Cemetery on the corner of 11th St. and Parkview Ave. in Kalamazoo. Memorial contributions in memory of Helen may be made to Kairos Dwelling. The family would like to thank Dr. Richard Tonda, Dr. Christopher Rogers and Sean O’Neil, PA-C for their compassionate care of Helen. God bless you all! Friends and family may share a condolence message online at www.joldersma-klein.com.
Rest in peace dear friend. You were always there whenever I needed you, which was a lot. You started out as a boss and became a best friend. Thank you so much for being like a mom to me the last 38 years and also sharing David with me. I couldn’t have asked for a better special dad. I have so many fun memories of excursions with you. Our lunch hour was never just about lunch. It was seeing how many activities we could squeeze into an hour, besides actually eating. From shopping to running errands, we covered a lot of ground over lunch. Thank you so much for teaching me about hard work and dedication. You always asked, “How can I help?” instead of saying “That’s not my job.” I’d like to think you have instilled that in me. You will be so missed! Love, Sharon
Helen always had a smile on her face! We warmly remember Helen from our years together at PUCC. We share our deepest sympathy in your loss.
Rest in peace, friend – you are leaving a dark, empty space for all who knew you.
Helen was my rock during my 5 years of work at PUCC. She was my advocate, my advisor and most of all my friend. An amazing woman. She will be missed by so many. My love to David, Tom and all the members of her family and friends who love her dearly.
Helen was the charter secretary treasurer while I was charter president of BOCK. We attended lots of meetings together. She was always in a great mood and had a wonderful smile. She will be remembered always. Hugs and prayers to David and all her family members. Janet Gillette
We will miss Helen. She always had a warm smile and “Hi how are you, how’s things down on your end”. Very cheery and positive attitude. We shared our love of mushrooms, NOT. Until we meet again Helen.
So sorry to hear of the passing of Helen. She will be greatly missed by all who knew her.
Helen was the best next door neighbor we could ever ask for in our condo association and we will miss seeing her beautiful smile and cheery attitude every day. She was a great friend to have, we will always remember her, Our condolences go out to David and the family during this difficult time. We know she is resting in peace now and for that we are grateful. Trish and Bob Rewalt
David and family, I am sorry to learn of Helen’s death. She was always gracious and friendly. Her loyalty to family is a great example. My prayers will be with you in the coming days.
Dave and family, My deepest condolences in your loss of Helen. She was always a smiling ray of sunshine whenever she came into my office with your pets. My staff and I always appreciated how wonderful and cheerful and respectful she was with us! She will be missed by all of us at VCA Oshtemo Animal Hospital. With sympathy, Dr. Del
Helen was a “can-do, may I help you professional” at Western Michigan University. She was diligent in her work and gracious in serving so many varied constituencies at the University. I am honored to have known her. My condolences to the family.
Peace to her Spirit. We met 64+ years ago; shared many wonderful memories and long-distance phone conversations together; and . . . she left too soon. Helen was a gift in my life, and I suspect in the lives of many others who were lucky enough to know her. She was an open-handed giver, giving whatever was needed, and did it as naturally as breathing, not expecting anyone to notice. Helen will always be in my heart. Peace to your Spirit, Dear One.
David & Tom: My heart is with you. A beautiful person has gone home to heaven. May Helen rest in peace.
Dear David, So sorry to learn of Helen’s passing. She was an important asset to Western Michigan University, who handled every task proficiently and professionally. My sincere condolences to you and the family for her passing. Pnina
Dave, I was saddened to read of Helen’s death. My sympathies to you and all the family. Sincerely, Herb