Helen Alice Van Meter

Helen grew up in Walden Colorado, the second youngest of seven siblings. Her father Victor emigrated from Sweden in 1888 and was one of the first settlers in North Park. She is preceded in death by her husband of 53 years Charles, her father, Victor, her mother Sigrid Lindahl Hanson, older brothers Carl, Vic, Arvid (“Bob”) and Don, older sister Lillian (“Sis”), and younger brother Harold (“Hally”). When she was seven her mother Sigrid died suddenly, so Helen had to learn to cook and help run the family cattle ranch at a young age. She graduated from North Park High School in 1947 and went to college at the University of Colorado where she met her husband-to-be Charles. Helen went on to achieve a Masters Degree in Physical Therapy from Stanford University. In 1953, she married Charles Van Meter at a large wedding at the North Park Community Church in Walden. Her handmade lace veil came from Sweden and was worn by many Hanson brides.

She initially worked at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Denver (in pediatric physical therapy, raising a family in Lakewood and later in Broomfield, Colorado. All of her children were born at St. Joseph’s. In 1964, the family moved to Palatine, Illinois. Helen worked at Plum Grove Nursing home in Palatine as a Physical Therapist for several years before deciding with her husband Charles to start a new Home Health business in Colorado in 1977. In 1989, she went to work for Denver Visiting Nurse Service eventually becoming the Director of Therapy before retiring in 1996.Helen devoted most of her retirement time caring for her husband Charles, who was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis several years earlier.

Helen was a championship amateur bowler, and enjoyed travel, tennis and raising her family. She was a loving wife and wonderful mother. Her only concern was the welfare of others, particularly her husband, her children and her extended family. She was a completely unselfish person to the day she died. In the true western tradition, Helen didn’t ever try to do something, she just did it.

She is survived by her three sons and two daughters: Kimberly C. Van Meter, Kari K. Grant (Ned Grant), James R. Van Meter, Timothy C. Van Meter (Hilda Yount) and Tami L. Van Meter (Ted Stedman). She is also survived by her three grandchildren Lara and Kyle Van Meter, and Weston Grant. Helen was also preceded in death by son Terry (1959) and husband Charles O. Van Meter (2006). She leaves behind many cherished nieces, nephews and all their children, and countless friends. She will be greatly missed by many of those whose lives she touched.

A private burial was held on March 11, 2018 at Olinger Crown Hill Cemetery. Family and friends are invited to stop by a reception celebration of life in Helen’s honor on April 8, 2018, from 2:00 to 4:30 at the historic Four Mile House, 715 S. Forest St., Denver CO 80246.