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1940 - 2013
 As beautiful inside as she was on the outside, Helga Karin Krystek Kohl, born April 4, 1940, was an exceptionally warm, compassionate person who always put the needs of others ahead of her own. She passed away Sunday, September 22, 2013, a short time after being diagnosed with leukemia. Through the hardships of being raised in the former East Germany, Helga escaped as a teen and immigrated to the U.S. in 1960. She married Egon Kohl and together they had three children, losing one shortly after birth. Helga was a longtime member and past president of the Greenville Garden Club. In addition to gardening, she was an award-winning floral designer and enjoyed traveling, painting, and especially time with family and friends. Helga is survived by her loving husband of almost 53 years, Egon Kohl; two daughters, Heidi Brown and Karen (Adam) Simons; grandchildren, Robert (Alisha) Brown, Lisa Brown, Olivia Simons, and Jack Simons; sister, Edith Thornton of New York; and many beloved nieces and nephews. Her mother, Sonja Krystek, and sister, Brigitta Stabel, preceded her in death. The family will greet friends at Hurst Funeral Home from 2:00 to 5:00 PM Thursday, September 26, 2013. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Montcalm Community Animal Shelter or to the American Cancer Society. |
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There are currently 11 condolences.
Jan OBerry
Wednesday September 25, 2013 at
1:21 PM
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Knowing Helga for 3 years was not nearly long enough. She always had a smile to give, a recipe to share, a flower to tell about. I shall miss my dear friend but I'm blessed for having known her.
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Randy & Linda Klepper
Wednesday September 25, 2013 at
11:42 AM
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Egon: We are so very sorry to hear of the passing of Helga. She was such a wonderful person. We are traveling in Northern Michigan as I type this message and our thoughts and prayers will be with you on Thursday.
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Christie C.
Wednesday September 25, 2013 at
8:57 AM
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I am very sorry for your family's loss. God promises to comfort us in times of sorrow.(2 Cor. 1:4) I hope you will find comfort in God's promise and in the many happy memories you all made and shared together.
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pat johnson
Tuesday September 24, 2013 at
8:31 PM
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Helga was a very giving and caring person. A great co-worker ( Gerards Hair Design ) and a very special friend. I will miss her.
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Kenneth Scott
Tuesday September 24, 2013 at
7:59 PM
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I am so very sorry to hear that Helga has passed away. I remember her as a refined lady with always a smile on her face. Please accept my deepest condolences and I wish you nothing but the best.
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Todd & Holly Woodfill
Tuesday September 24, 2013 at
7:52 PM
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Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Please let us know if you need anything at anytime.
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Mark Karadsheh
Tuesday September 24, 2013 at
7:44 PM
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Good evening Karen,
I am very sorry to hear about your mother. She is in much peaceful place.
I pray to God to have mercy on her soul.
I also pray to God to give you and your family the comfort and strength
to deal with this tragedy.
Bill told me today and I read the obituary in Grand Rapids Press.
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Kathy Van Sickler
Tuesday September 24, 2013 at
4:53 PM
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Helga was a wonderful "pool pal". I will miss seeing her wonderful smile and hearing her equally interesting stories. Thoughts and prayers for you all.
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Kathy Van Sickldf
Tuesday September 24, 2013 at
4:46 PM
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KAthy
Tuesday September 24, 2013 at
4:44 PM
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Cheryl Hansen
Tuesday September 24, 2013 at
8:16 AM
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Helga was such a wonderful person and it has been to honor to have known her. Helga was always involved in some project or helping others. It was very interesting to listen to Helga on her experiences of her life.
Cheryl Hansen
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