Helen Burgett

Helen Claire Burgett, 88, of Sioux City departed peacefully for her heavenly home Friday, Aug. 8, 2008, with her children at her side.

Graveside services will be 11 a.m. Saturday in Memorial Park Cemetery, with the Rev. Ryan Christenson of St. James United Methodist Church officiating. Visitation with the family will be 10 a.m. until service time Saturday at Meyer Brothers Morningside Chapel, 6200 Morningside Ave.

Helen was born March 22, 1920, in Omaha, to Marvin J. and Ellen Millican. When she was a teenager, she moved to Sioux City and attended Central High School, graduating in 1938.

She married Donald E. Burgett on March 10, 1940, in Ponca, Neb. As newlyweds, their first home was in Crystal Lake in South Sioux City, where they started their family. They then moved to Sioux City, where they owned and operated Park Lane Garage as well as Bellevue Garage. In 1960, she survived a battle with cancer and the family moved to Albuquerque, N.M., where she worked for J.C. Penney. After returning to Sioux City in 1965, she worked for Gene Smith Cleaners doing alterations until 1970.

The couple both shared a passion for country music and antique cars. They were involved in the Horseless Carriage Club for many years. She proudly drove their 1941 Cadillac nicknamed the "moose". She also enjoyed doing crafts, crocheting, crossword puzzles and going to rummage sales. Her lifelong friends were especially important to her, however, her greatest achievement was raising her four children. She was always there for them, her seven grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren.

She is remembered with love by her daughters, Marcia and her husband, Chester Tolles of Hartford, S.D., and Janice Burgett of Sioux City; a son and his wife, Roger and Penny Burgett of Sioux City; seven grandchildren, Timothy Tolles of Ledyard, Conn., Tracy (Helga) Tolles and their children, Tricia Lea and Erin Michelle of Ledyard, Laurie Chamberlain and her children, Terry, Ashley and Joey of Ledyard, Todd (Vanessa) Hynson and their daughter, Eleanor of Albuquerque, N.M., Dawn Stalker and her children, Jana, Sara, Cody and Justen of Sergeant Bluff, Michael (Katie) Burgett of Sioux City and Mary Beth (Jeremy) Brock and their children, Dylan and Natalie Beth of Maple Grove, Minn.; two sisters-in-law; several nieces and nephews; and many life long friends.

Among many loved ones who welcomed her to heaven were her husband, Donald E. Burgett; a son, Donald M. Burgett; and her mother and father.

Those who remember how Helen lived her life could best serve her memory by doing a kindness to someone in need.