Helen L. Bahle, Died June 12, 2018

Helen L. Bahle

Died June 13, 2018

SUTTONS BAY – Helen Louise Bahle, 100, of Suttons Bay, passed away Wednesday June 13, 2018 at the Toy House Retirement Home surrounded by her loving family.  Mother lived her whole life in preparation for this day.

Helen was born on July 12, 1917 in Stanhope, Iowa.  Her parents Issac and Patrina (Satre) Oppedal were both born in Norway.  In 1941 she married Kenneth Esten Bahle; they were to have sixty three years together.

She moved to Suttons Bay in 1946 after Kenneth returned from serving in Italy during World War II.  Together they owned and operated Ken's Market from 1949 to 1968.  Helen later was employed by the Suttons Bay schools (generations of kids remember her as the Lunch Lady), until her retirement a dozen years later.  Through all those years she was also a dedicated basketball Mom, never missing a game.

She was a life-time member of Immanuel Lutheran Church where she taught Sunday School, sang in the choir and was a member of the Ladies Aide.  It was their bake sales where she earned the reputation as "the best pie baker ever."  Those who remember her will also remember her considerable talents as a quilter and a braider of rugs.  Her beautiful quilts were not only admired but sold to many happy customers.

Like many of her generation, Helen's domestic skills were in constant service for her family and her community.  More importantly, she will be remembered for her kindness and compassion...unless you happened to be sitting across the table from her with a Scrabble board between you.  And of course for many Christmases, the lutefisk and the lefse would command the dining room table, a tradition to honor with gratitude...and a side dish of ham.

Helen's family expresses their grateful thanks for all those who helped celebrate Mom's 100th birthday last July.  They also express their deepest appreciation to Bob and Fran Jelinek, and Christine Anderson of the Toy House Retirement Home for their care and compassion for the last eight years of her life.

The last time we were with Mother she was in and out of awareness, as people are near the end, but something very surprising happened.  All of a sudden, she woke up and in a clear strong voice said, "I'm all right" and her last words to us were, "I think I should go home."  Was this just rambling?  Or was it "enlightened" words from someone who, more than anyone we know, had lived her whole life in preparation for that moment.

Helen is survived by three sons Phillip (Sherrill), David (Jean) and Craig Bahle; two grandchildren, Todd (Mindy) Bahle, Trenton ”TJ” and Casey Bahle; three great-grandchildren Dylan, Ella, and Anna Bahle; and a sister Dorothy Ahlquist.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Kenneth, two brothers Gerald and Earling and three sisters Ione, Elaine and Phyllis.

Graveside services in the Lutheran Cemetery of Suttons Bay will be announced at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Heartland Hospice, 4020 Copper View, #113, Traverse City, MI 49684.

 

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