Helene Boelling

Hélène (Missildine) Boelling

Hélène Boelling of Herington departed this life on September 30, 2018, at the Kansas Medical Center in Andover, Kansas. She was born on May 27, 1942, to John Gurley and Norma W. (Bryant) Missildine.

Hélène always said she valued three things in life: God, family, and teaching.

Baptized and raised in the Grace Episcopal Church in Hutchinson, Kansas, Hélène was deeply devoted to God. After marrying and moving to Herington, she and her husband Roger attended the Episcopal church here. After the Episcopal church closed its doors, they began attending the United Methodist Church. Teaching Sunday school and Bible school for many years, Hélène was always involved in the church. Hélène attended church every Sunday where she, Grandma Betty, and Aunt Jay would often giggle silently during the service.

Hélène met Roger Boelling in the latter part of 1967 at a single’s mixer in Hutchinson. By luck of the draw, they would share their very first dance and were engaged just three months later. They were married July 20, 1968, at Grace Episcopal Church. Two daughters would join their family, Allison in 1972 and Elizabeth in 1977. Allison and Elizabeth were involved in many activities, and Hélène never missed a single one. As a family, they loved watching sports, especially their beloved Kansas Jayhawks. Rock Chalk Jayhawk! Go KU!!!

One of Hélène’s greatest joys in life was spending time with her grandsons Logan and Spencer. Her heart ran over with love and joy with their every accomplishment, no matter how big or small, always concerned with anything that might hurt them. She enjoyed her long talks and funny jokes with Spencer. She was in awe of the person Logan is becoming and has enjoyed watching them both play sports.

Hélène enjoyed a close relationship with her brother John and her sisters Jackie and Lisa. The siblings would get together several times a year for weekend trips. For Roger and Hélène’s 50th anniversary, the destination was Kansas City to attend a dinner theater production of Mamma Mia with family. In August, Hélène, Jackie, John, and Lisa traveled to Cascade, Colorado, and stayed at the same house they visited during the summers when they were growing up.

After graduating from Hutchinson High School in 1960, Hélène attended Hutchinson Community College. From there, she attended Oneonta State University in Oneonta, New York. Her first teaching position was in Troy, New York. A year later, she returned to Hutchinson to teach at the high school. In the fall of 1968, Hélène began her 35-year career at Herington High School where she taught English and literature. She was also the sponsor for Student Council and the National Honor Society. Hélène retired in 2003. She always enjoyed hearing from former students and catching up on their lives.

Hélène was involved in the community. She was a member of Sorosis Club, of the local PEO of Herington, and enjoyed art and music programs. She loved animals.

Hélène is survived by her husband Roger of the home; two daughters, Allison and her husband Chris Braun of Kansas City, Kansas, and Elizabeth and her husband Matt Krause of Solomon, Kansas; a brother John Missildine of Highlandville, Missouri; two sisters, Jackie Caldwell of Olathe, Kansas, and Lisa Gartner (Dave) of Andover, Kansas; and grandsons, Logan and Spencer Krause.

Memorial services will be held at 1:00 P.M. on Saturday, October 6, 2018, at St. Paul Lutheran Church of Herington. Pastor Colleen Teeuwe will be officiating. Inurnment will follow at Sunset Hill Cemetery. Family will greet friends following the inurnment service at the St. Paul Lutheran Church Fellowship Center.

Memorials to the Hélène Boelling Educational Scholarship Fund are welcome. They may be sent to Zeiner Funeral Home of Herington, 404 South Broadway, Herington, Kansas 67449-3038.