Obituary of Helen Irene Gudeman

Helen Irene [Klopfenstein] Gudeman, 88, of Monticello, IN (formerly of Medaryville, IN) went home to be with the Lord on Friday, September 24, 2021.  She passed away at home surrounded by her family.  Helen was born on October 16, 1932 in Mishawaka, IN to the late Gary and Clara [Laidig] Klopfenstein, Sr.  She graduated from Mishawaka High School in 1950.  On March 30, 1952, Helen married the love her life, Dean A. Gudeman, in Bremen, IN.  She went from being a city girl to marrying a farmer and enjoying country life.  Helen was a homemaker, establishing with her husband, a loving home with four children.  They were married 67 years before Dean passed away on January 20, 2020.

Helen loved her Lord and Savior.  She faithfully attended church with her family.  She was a lifelong member of the First Baptist Church in Francesville, IN and was currently attending Zion Bethel Church in Monticello. 

Helen was a talented artist with an amazing passion for drawing, painting, and calligraphy.  For many years, she was a professional cake decorator.   Helen enjoyed keeping active with aquasize and being involved with home-ec clubs through the years. 

Helen was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, and great grandmother.  She will be sadly missed by those who knew and loved her.

She is survived by:

Susan (Jeff) Braun, Monticello, IN Daughter

Gary (Doreen) Gudeman, Medaryville, IN Son

Andrea (Casey) McVicker, Granddaughter

Nathan (Amy) Braun, Grandson

Alyssa (Dan) Kreitl, Granddaughter

Lindsey (Joshua) Jay, Granddaughter

Jared (Loren) Gudeman, Grandson

Lauren (Evan) Haupert, Granddaughter

Philip Gudeman, Grandson

Jonathan Gudeman, Grandson

Ben (Laura) Stelly, Grandson

Marissa (Cameron) Smith, Granddaughter

Sidney Stelly, Granddaughter

19 Great Grandchildren

Mary Wright Schlatter, Toledo, OH Sister

Kathleen Skeeters, Mishawaka, IN Sister

Judy Klopfenstein, Elgin, IL Sister-in-law

Judy Gudeman, Monticello, IN Sister-in-law

Kathleen Schrock, Tyler, TX Sister-in-law

Jean Gudeman, Tucson, AZ Sister-in-law

Many Nieces and Nephews

Preceded in death by:

Gary and Clara [Laidig] Klopfenstein, Sr., Parents

Dean A. Gudeman, Husband

Steven R. Gudeman, Son

Karen I. Gudeman, Daughter

Robert (Marie) Klopfenstein, Brother

Gary (Rose Marie) Klopfenstein, Jr., Brother

Eugene (Alice) Klopfenstein, Brother

Richard Klopfenstein, Brother

Elouise (Fred) Flagle, Sister

Jo Ann (Bob) Conrad, Sister

Frank Wright, Brother-in-law

Herman Schlatter, Brother-in-law

Jack Skeeters, Brother-in-law

Bill Schrock, Brother-in-law

Stanley Gudeman, Brother-in-law

Visitation will be from 4-8 PM EDT Wednesday, September 29, 2021 at Frain Mortuary Querry-Ulbricht Chapel in Francesville, IN.

Funeral Services will be held at 11 AM EDT Thursday, September 30, 2021 at Frain Mortuary Querry-Ulbricht Chapel in Francesville, IN with Pastors Dennis Gutwein and Nathan Braun officiating.

Burial will take place at Roseland Cemetery in Francesville, IN.

Memorial Contributions may be made to Gideon’s International or Baptist Children’s Home.

Online Tributes may be offered at www.frainmortuary.com.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Frain Mortuary Querry-Ulbricht Chapel in Francesville.