Helen Johanna Martin, 99, of Granite City, Illinois entered into eternal rest at 8:18 p.m. on Tuesday, June 26, 2018 at Edwardsville Nursing and Rehabilitation in Edwardsville. She was born April 3, 1919 in Granite City, a daughter of the late John William and Johanna (Niederer) Strackeljahn. She retired from the federal government in 1964 working at the Melvin Price Support Center Depot after over 25 years of dedicated service as a secretary.
During her years of service, she had received many outstanding awards for her performance and truly valued her job. Helen had married Lester Martin and cherished nearly 50 years of marriage prior to him passing away in September 1997. During their life together, they enjoyed boating and were members of the Bowline Boat Club in Granite City, traveling, bowling, photography, CB radios, dancing and cherished many special times with friends.
Helen was a member of the First Presbyterian Church in Granite City and enjoyed being a part of their social circle and Senior’s group; was a member of Eastern Star, Breathers Club at Gateway Regional Medical Center and the Melvin Price Depot Retirement Club. She enjoyed her days of quilting, knitting, crocheting and had a special love for shoes, handkerchiefs and dolls. She enjoyed meeting strangers and showing kindness to all and loved making Christmas and birthdays special for her family.
Helen’s family would like to thank Edwardsville Nursing facility for their love and care given to our mother during her stay. She is survived by two daughters and a son-in-law, Carey “Gale” McGovern of Palmyra and Janet Helen and Roland Jacquot of Belleville; a son and daughter-in-law, John “Butch” and Marion King of St. Louis; eight grandchildren and spouses, Todd McFarland, Beth Anne Hockemeyer, Brian and Glenda Jacquot, Jeffery and Michelle King, Julie and Paul Lauer, Susan and Gary Delaney and Christopher and Carly King; thirteen great grandchildren; other extended family and friends. In addition to her beloved husband and parents, she was preceded in death by a son, Larry King; granddaughter, Lori Ann King; a great grandson, Noah Patrick Jacquot; eight brother and sisters, Amelia Riddle, Harry Strackeljahn, George Strackeljahn, Fred Strackeljahn, Edna O’Master, Clara Stein, Marie Reimler and Lily Pool.
In celebration of her life, visitation will be at Irwin Chapel, 3960 Maryville Road in Granite City on Friday, June 29, 2018 from 10:00 a.m. until time of funeral service at 11:00 a.m. with Reverend Randy Vollmar officiating. Burial will follow at Sunset Hill Memorial Estates in Glen Carbon. Memorials may be made to Shriner’s Hospital for Children and may be accepted at the funeral home.
May Helen rest in peace and may God’s perpetual light shine upon her.
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