Helen Louise (Harpstrite) Dahmer

Helen Louise (Harpstrite) Dahmer passed away on December 3, 2022, at Helia Healthcare of Energy.  She was born on October 31, 1934, to Frank and Ethel (Goley) Harpstrite.  Helen worked at F.W. Woolsworth & Company on the square until her marriage to Herman J. Dahmer on June 25, 1955.

Helen and Herman began their married life in Decatur, Illinois raising two children, Terry Lee and Mary Ann, until their return to the farm in 1966.  Helen worked as the secretary for the Williamson County Farm Bureau until her retirement.  She was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church, a member of the Women’s Guild and served on the board and as President of the Williamson County Catholic Credit Union.  Helen led the Crabtree 4-H Club for over 40 years and was inducted into the Illinois 4-H Hall of Fame.  She was a founding member of the Marion FFA Alunmi.  Helen was an accomplished seamstress and loved her flowers.  She is known for her cinnamon rolls and homemade ice cream.

Helen is survived by her husband of 67 years, H.J.; children, Terry (Connie) Dahmer of Marion and Mary Ann (Robert) Manning of Massachusetts; grandchildren, Adam (Samantha) Dahmer and John Dahmer of Marion, Trudy Dahmer of St. Louis, Andrew (Katherine) Manning, Amanda Manning and Diana Manning of Massachusetts and David Manning of Florida; great-grandchildren, Church and Rhett Dahmer of Marion; brother-in-law, John Boester and sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Marjorie and Bill Jack along with several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, in-laws, Herman and Mabel Dahmer; brother, Andrew Harpstrite; sisters-in-law, Lula Harpstrite and Louise Harpstrite; sister, Theresa Boester and nephews, Frank Harpstrite and Matthew Harpstrite.

Funeral Mass will be held on Saturday, December 10, 2022, beginning at 10:00 am at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Marion. The family will receive friends at the church starting at 8:00 am until the time of service.  Interment will follow at the Davis Prairie Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be directed to the Davis Prairie Cemetery or the organization of the donor’s choice. Envelopes will be available at the church on the day of service.

Binkley-Ross Funeral Home was entrusted with arrangements under the direction of Joni Binkley-Ross and Monte Blue.

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