Helen A. Oldenkamp

Helen was baptized at St. Peter Lutheran Church, in Midland, SD on March 29th.

Baptism verse: "These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up." Deuteronomy 6:6-7

Helen was confirmed on June 15, 1944, also at St. Peter Lutheran Church.

Confirmation verse: "And He died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves, but for Him who died for them and was raised again." II Corinthians 5:15

In reflection of Helen's life, it is easy to see how seriously she embraced the calling of her confirmation verse, for indeed, she did not live for herself but rather in acts of service, hospitality, and love toward others to the glory of her dear Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Neatly written in the margins of her well-worn Bible next to her confirmation verse she has written, "He died for us. Should live for Christ. The faith you believe in is shown in your life."

Helen Alvena Oldenkamp celebrated more than 96 3/4 years of life. She lived with a strong faith in God and relied on her devotion to Christ to guide her through her days. Growing up on a farm in the middle of nowhere near Okaton, South Dakota, Helen was the oldest of six daughters and one son born to Philip and Alvena Eckert. Farm life was challenging and with it came great responsibility. Feeding the chickens, gathering the eggs, slopping the pigs, milking the cows, brushing the horse, picking up dung, hauling water, doing dishes, washing clothes in the wringer washer, working in the fields, gathering and canning the bounty from the garden to stock up for winter, preparing meals. The chore list was endless. It was Little House on the Prairie without grandeur or accolades. Crocheting, handiwork, sewing and quilting, her hands were never idle. All of these tasks took place around the Jones County school schedule. After graduation, Helen attended Black Hills Teachers College working in a café as a pie maker. She became a teller at the bank and taught in a one-room school in a rural area for four years.

A rodeo in White River altered the course of her life when she reluctantly agreed to accompany Lloyd, a guy she wouldn’t send her dog out with! Sparks ignited as Lloyd had a zest for life, a great laugh, was an enthusiastic dancer and a military man. He was home on leave when they married in the winter of 1951. Helen welcomed and raised 5 children of her own and babysat for multiple kids of all ages as well as taking care of a variety of animals. It was during her time living in an 8’ x 32’ trailer at Malone's Court, craving adult conversation and mental stimulation, that she became adept at Scrabble. A game she taught her kids and her daughters continue to play. Helen thought for sure she was going to fall off the edge of the earth on their move to California. Loading the 3 older kids in the back of the truck without seat belts but wedged between a sewing machine, rocking chair and washer, the family set off with the 2 younger kids sitting on her lap. Helen learned how to restore hymnals for a little extra pocket change. Four years later, Lloyd was presented with the opportunity to move to Omaha, Nebraska. At last, it was within driving distance of family.

As the kids grew, Helen spent many hours on the road acting as a chauffeur for school, church, baseball, gymnastics, concerts, roller skating and the pool. She would roll her eyes when her daughters would slink below the window so their friends wouldn't see them in the car. In between she found time to run the concession stand for little league, help with Youth League, and Girl Scouts. She also sewed clothes, cross stitched, crafted and made hundreds of quilts. Comfortable in an apron, Helen made wedding cakes, cinnamon rolls, cookies and bread all without ever setting a timer. A trend setter, she reused and recycled before it was a thing. Washing out plastic bags and saving jars, butter dishes and sour cream containers for leftovers.

Active at St. Mark Lutheran Church since 1969, Helen made banners and ornaments, taught Sunday School, Midweek, Vacation Bible School, and Bible verses to little kids, took up a card ministry, sewed many items for OCC, organized Singles in Fellowship Together, served in Women’s League, Guild, and LWML, attended Bible Study, started coffee hour, planned luncheons and Lenten meals, worked as the receptionist and took attendance.

Helen went on road trips and traveled over two oceans visiting many countries yet never dipped her toe in the water unless it was in a bathtub, raining or she stepped in a puddle. Helen offered her home to anyone needing a place to stay with a warm bed and a hot meal. She worked at an insurance company, the pharmacy and the church office. Always active, Helen enjoyed her walks, exercise classes and her Bowling League. Her high score was over 200. Crossword puzzles, word search and Wordle kept her mind sharp.

Helen lived a purposeful life and was a faithful servant to God. We know He will welcome her with open arms and unconditional love, forgiving her of sin and have mercy on her soul so she can meet Jesus and thank Him for all that He endured. Helen can reunite with family and all those who preceded her in death including:

Lloyd Raymond Oldenkamp, Duane Edward Oldenkamp, Paige Elizabeth Oldenkamp, Rhett Allan and Tucker James Haffner, Rev. David Paul Johnson, Philip Gustav Eckert, Alvena Minnie Buxcel Eckert, Ruth Catherine Foote. In addition to many sisters and brothers-in-law as well as nieces and nephews.

Helen and Lloyd had 5 children, 13 grandchildren, 16 great grandchildren and 8 great, great grandchildren as of this writing.

Helen is survived by her son Donald (Debbie) Oldenkamp, her three daughters, Valerie Johnson, Verla Niebuhr, and Verjean (Peter) Christopher as well as her daughter-in-law (Anne) Oldenkamp. Four sisters: Freda Peters, Lois Quatier, Phyllis (Lloyd) Filler, Grace (Gary) Schmitgen and one brother William Eckert, many nieces and nephews and extended family.

Memorial Gifts can go to St. Mark Lutheran Church, endowment fund: Nebraska District North LWML: Concordia Lutheran Jr./Sr. High School: or Operation Christmas Child shipping fund.