Irene Louise Helm

On February 9, 2011, Irene Louise Helm passed away in her home in Wenatchee, WA, after a courageous battle with cancer at age 67. She was surrounded in love by her two sons, who were very attentive to her needs during her final days. Irene Louise Helm, daughter of Otto and Eleanor Grochow, was born February 25, 1943, in Martin, ND. She grew up on a farm east of Anamoose, ND and attended White Township Consolidated School during grades one through eight. She graduated from Anamoose High School in 1961. On July 15, 1962, Irene married her high school sweetheart, Allen E. Helm, in Anamoose. They moved to Seaside, OR, where Allen was employed in construction. In 1968, they moved to Wenatchee, WA, where Irene worked for Safeway Food Stores for several years. She then became an employee at Sea-First National Bank/Bank of America, where she worked until she retired in 2003. Irene was completely devoted to her family. She was more than willing to help her sons and grandchildren in every possible way. They all looked forward to the "treats" she baked for them. She also treasured the holidays when all of her family would come to her home. The grandkids couldn't wait for the popcorn balls, caramel rolls and party mix that she prepared for them. She especially liked making sugar cookies for Christmas and let the grandkids do the decorating. She said that was what made them special. She was also a sports enthusiast. She was her grandsons' favorite cheerleader. She never missed a single sporting event in which they participated. She also loved her daily walks with friends or relatives. Irene fought her battle with cancer for nine years. She never complained about the treatments, but took everything in stride. She was grateful for the extended time that she was allowed. Her family and friends will always remember what an "amazing" lady she was. She truly went that extra mile to offer encouragement to others and was a gracious host to everyone who came to visit. She was a member of Grace Lutheran Church, and her faith was a cornerstone of her life. Irene is survived by her sons, Mark (Gracie) of Wenatchee and Darren (Cassie) of Liberty Lake, WA; grandchildren, Blake and Cooper Helm of Wenatchee and Jamie, Jackie and Derrick Helm of Liberty Lake; one great-grandson, Braylon Helm-Renz of Liberty Lake; a sister, Anne (Dale) Gehring of Minot, ND; two brothers, Art (Linda) Grochow of Wahpeton, ND and Scott (Kerry) Grochow of Rugby, ND; a sister-in-law, Bev (Ralph) Follinglo of Great Falls, MT; and several nieces and a nephew. She was preceded in death by her parents; a brother, Charles; and husband, Allen. An Open Visitation is scheduled from 1:00 to 2:30 p.m. Tuesday, February 15, 2011, at Telford's Chapel of the Valley Funeral Home. This will be followed by a Graveside Service, beginning at 3:00 p.m. at the Wenatchee Cemetery. There will be a Celebration of Irene's earthly Life and her new life with her Savior also on Tuesday, beginning at 4:00 p.m. at Grace Lutheran Church. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Grace Lutheran Church or to the American Cancer Society. Condolences may be posted online at telfordschapel.com. Arrangements by Telford's Chapel of the Valley, East Wenatchee.

Irene Louise Helm

February 25, 1943 - February 9, 2011