Helen K. Darnstaedt

Mrs. Helen Katherine Darnstaedt of Nashville departed this life at Friendship Manor Healthcare Center in Nashville on Thursday, January 1, 2015 at 5:30 a.m. She had attained the age of 98 years, eight months and 17 days.

Mrs. Darnstaedt was born in Jacob on April 15, 1916, the daughter of William F. and Lydia (Rowald) Rathjen. She was united in marriage to George A. Darnstaedt at Jacob, on December 8, 1934 and celebrated 75 years of marriage. He preceded her in death on January 7, 2010.

Helen was a homemaker and a member of the Trinity Lutheran Church in Nashville. She was a past member of Christ Lutheran Church in Jacob, where she was involved with the Dorcas Society and the choir. Helen loved to cook and bake.

Left to mourn her passing are her three children, Merle Darnstaedt and his wife Sue of Nashville, Carolyn Guetersloh and her husband Roger of Murphysboro, and Cliff Darnstaedt and his wife Joyce of St. John, Ind.; a brother, William Rathjer and wife Barbara of Indianapolis, Ind.; a brother-in-law, Neil Oliger of Tuscola; a sister-in-law, Norma Rathjer of Murphysboro; dear friends, Dorothy Wagner and Pat Mefford both of Nashville; nine grandchildren; 15 great grandchildren and three great great grandchildren; many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, three brothers and four sisters.

Funeral services were held at the Trinity Lutheran Church in Nashville on Saturday, January 3 with Pastor Matthew Wietfeldt officiating and with interment to follow in the church cemetery.

Should friends desire memorials may be made to the Trinity Lutheran Church and will be accepted by the Campagna Funeral Home in Nashville in charge of arrangements.

Online expressions of sympathy can be made at www.campagnafuneralhomes.com.

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