SCHWEINSBERG, HELEN MEYER
Helen Meyer Schweinsberg, 95, of Kalamazoo, passed away peacefully on 12/12/2020 after a brief illness. Helen was born June 29, 1925, in Brooklyn, New York to Dr. Harold S. Miller and Anna Maria Eenberg. She graduated from Elmira College and Columbia University School of Nursing under the Nurse Cadet Program with B.S. and RN degrees. Helen married Stephen Meyer, Jr. in New York City in 1949. They moved to central Michigan where Steve joined the Alma College faculty and later became Vice President for Finance. They became devoted members of the Alma College community during Steve’s 30 year tenure and Helen continued a close relationship with the college supporting its’ many projects and development over the years. Helen worked part time as an RN at Gratiot Community Hospital, (now Midmichigan Medical Center) while raising their four children and later served as a nursing instructor for Mid Michigan College. She was a true trailblazer for working women with families! While in Alma, Helen was a member of First Presbyterian Church, Alma Women’s Club and began her 56-year membership in the P.E.O. Sisterhood. Helen was happiest at the family cottage on beautiful Grand Traverse Bay. The cottage served as a gathering place for decades, where children, grandchildren, and cousins reconnected from across the country. Helen loved to travel as well. Her adventures took her throughout the US, Europe, Scandinavia, Asia, Australia, and the Middle East. Looking forward to her next trip kept her focused on the future. Following Steve’s passing, Helen married Wilmer Schweinsberg in 1989 and relocated to Traverse City where they
enjoyed boating and fishing. She was a member of Bethlehem Lutheran Church. Helen moved to Friendship Village, in Kalamazoo after Wil’s passing and became an active volunteer and participant in Village life. She was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church and Rebecca Circle. Throughout her life, Helen recognized the value of education and directed her philanthropy to help others achieve their dreams. She was truly a “model to follow” for her children and others. Helen was preceded in death by her husbands, Stephen Meyer, Jr. and Wilmer Schweinsberg; sister, Ruth (Miller) Stewart; brother, Harold A.S. Miller; grandson, David Tomlinson; grandson, Geoffrey Tomlinson; and special friend, Chuck Miller. She is survived by her children: Doris (Steve) Balgoyen, Maria, (Charlie) Tomlinson, Stephanie (Tony) Proli, and Steve (Susan) Meyer. Helen was the proud grandmother
of nine and a great grandmother of five. Arrangements are by Joldersma & Klein Funeral Home. A family celebration of Helen’s life will take place at a later date. The family would like to extend special thanks to the staff of Woodside Special Care Unit at Friendship Village for their compassionate care
and concern for Helen, especially in her final days. Memorials may be made to: Alma College - “Helen and Stephen Meyer, Jr. Endowed Scholarship”, 614 W Superior St, Alma, MI 48801; Friendship Village, Employee Appreciation Fund, 1400 N Drake Rd, Kalamazoo, MI 49048; P.E.O. Foundation - “Helen Meyer Schweinsberg Fund”, 3700 Grand Ave. Des Moines, IA 50163.