Helen Van Gorp

Oskaloosa. Helen Van Gorp, 78, of Oskaloosa, died Monday, March 5, 2012, at the Mahaska Health Partnership in Oskaloosa. She was born May 24, 1933, at Oskaloosa, the daughter of Harold and Thelma Fayer Colville. She attended Ottumwa High School. On September 28, 1951, Helen was united in marriage to Marion “Junior” Van Gorp in Knoxville. Following their wedding, Junior’s military service took them to Germany, and while in Germany they adopted their daughter, Jan. Junior and Helen later divorced. Early on she worked at John Morrell’s Packing Plant in Ottumwa, and later worked at General Electric in Illinois and then for the telephone company. She also worked as a waitress at several restaurants including the old Don’s Diner in Oskaloosa. Later, Helen worked at the meat counter at the Oskaloosa Hy-Vee until her retirement. She enjoyed ceramics and knitting. She was a member of the V.F.W. and American Legion Auxiliary’s. She was also a member of the Lady Eagles.

Her family includes her daughter, Jan Carter of Oskaloosa; three grandchildren: Jessica (& Kevin) Kilcoin, Jennifer Carter (& Jordan Ellis), and Mike Carter.

Helen was preceded in death by her parents; three brothers: Lloyd Colville, Marvin Colville and Edward Colville; and one sister: JoAnn Breheny.

Funeral services will be held Wednesday, March 7, 2012, at 7 p.m. in the Bates Funeral Chapel in Oskaloosa with Pastor Alvern Boetsma officiating. As was her wish her body will be cremated following the funeral ceremony. The Bates Funeral Chapel is in charge of the arrangements. Visitation will begin Wednesday afternoon after 2 in the Bates Funeral Chapel, and the family will be at the funeral chapel from 5 p.m. until service time at 7 p.m. on Wednesday. Memorials may be made to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.