Helga Vanalten

Helga M. VanAlten, age 74, of Hudsonville, passed away on Wednesday, July 27, 2016 at Metro Health Hospital surrounded by family. The daughter of Erich & Margarete Rutz she was born on September 14, 1941 in Germany. She was preceded in death by her parents; brother Hans; as well as her mother and father-in-law, Joe & June VanAlten. Surviving are her husband of 44 years, Tom; children, Christine Kaminski, Perry Kaminski & Joe VanAlten; sister-in-law, Debbie (Dr. Jim) Howard; special family friends: Karl & Dawn Martinie and Hoonhorst family; and special canine friends, Paris & Sophie who will miss her very much. Helga was a gardener, who loved all types of flowers. She also had a love for animals of all kinds. She had a pet canary as well as goldfish, a hamster, rabbits, a couple dogs and two cats when her kids where young. Helga enjoyed her German heritage through her music and beer stein collection. She was a good cook and baker, often using her mothers German recipes and cookbooks on birthdays and holidays. Her stuffed bear collection brought her a lot of joy as well as keeping every card, letters and notes that anyone had ever given her. She also had a love for animals of all kinds. She had a pet canary as well as goldfish, a hamster, rabbits, a couple dogs and two cats when her kids where young. Helga enjoyed her German heritage through her music and beer stein collection. She was a good cook and baker, often using her mothers German recipes and cookbooks on birthdays and holidays. Her stuffed bear collection brought her a lot of joy as well as keeping every card, letters and notes that anyone had ever given her. Honoring her wishes, cremation will take place. Arrangements are entrusted to Michigan Cremation & Funeral Care, Grand Rapids. To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Helga Vanalten, please visit our flower store.