Helen W. (Bergkamp) VenJohn
April 3, 1934 ~ February 16, 2005
ANDALE - VenJohn, Helen W., 70, died Wednesday, February 16, 2005. Rosary, 6:00 P.M., Friday; service, 10:30 A.M., Saturday, both at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Andale. Helen was born April 3, 1934 and raised on a wheat farm near Mt. Vernon, Kansas. She went to nurses training at St. Francis Hospital, graduating in 1955. She married John VenJohn on July 17, 1956. They took over the family farm near Andale, Kansas where they raised six children and provided care to numerous others. Nursing was her vocation, but being a care-giver was her life. She worked many years at St. Francis as night supervisor. She was instrumental in developing the natural family planning program in the diocese, Gerard House, Harry Hynes Hospice, and numerous other programs. The VenJohn farm was a welcome place for many youngsters to gather. Helen was often a spectator at many sporting events and supported her grandchildrens many activities. She loved to spend her leisure hours sewing and writing poetry for her children and 22 grandchildren. She will be greatly missed by all. In lieu of flowers, the family prefers donations be made to Harry Hynes Memorial Hospice or Gerard House. Survivors: husband, John VenJohn; children, Denise and Tony Veith, Diane and Tom Stolz, Don VenJohn, Doug and Rose VenJohn, Dallas and JJ VenJohn, Dwight and Uldene VenJohn; brothers and sisters, Pauline Schwieterman, Art Bergkamp, Emma Stockemer, Jonas Bergkamp, Mildred Bergkamp and Melvin Bergkamp. Downing Lahey Mortuary West.
Rosary, 6:00 P.M., Friday, St. Joseph Catholic Church, Andale, KS
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Dear Dallas, JJ, Bailey, Shelby, and Cooper: Mary Jane, and I, and Grandma (Eastwood) Lang whish to extend to you our heartfelt sympathy and prayers for you and the entire VenJohn Family on the passing of Helen. While we had only visited with her on a couple of occasions, we certainly enjoyed our talks with her, and the kindness and love which just seemed so obvious, as she spoke so fondly of her family, and her love of her work as a nurse. We know that God has welcomed her into His heavenly kingdom, where there is no pain, and eternal happiness. God bless you and yours. Sincerely, Jim, Mary Jane, and Grandma Lang
Helen was a lovely person who put God and family first in her life, as well as care and concern for many others in her lifetime. Helen and Sonny together raised 6 fine children, and we are proud our grandchildren have them as grandparents, too. We know Helen will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved her. We send our sincerest sympathy and prayers to all of Helen’s family.