Helyn T. Kurfess, 93, of Perrysburg passed away peacefully on August 16, 2024, after a brief illness. She was born January 15, 1931, to John W. and Verna (Libbe) Rudolph. She married Charles Kurfess on June 2, 1956, at St. John’s Lutheran Church, Stony Ridge and they celebrated 67 years of marriage before his death on March 1, 2024. Raised in Perrysburg Township, Helyn graduated from Lake High School and received a Bachelor’s Degree in Education from Bowling Green State University where she was a member of the Gamma Phi Beta Sorority. She taught first grade at Lake Elementary School and later served area schools as a substitute teacher.
Throughout her lifetime Helyn excelled in many roles. Charles would describe her as his biggest asset to his career in politics and law. While she enjoyed being by his side, Helyn was in her element on the family’s mini farm raising a menagerie of animals from sheep to peacocks and maintaining the large garden which yields she would then freeze and can. Many special memories were made at the Kurfess lake home in Lakeside, Ohio. Over the past 40 years five generations of the family enjoyed the peaceful life of Lakeside. Helyn was very involved in her children’s school activities and this involvement continued though the generations as she enjoyed supporting her grandchildren and great grandchildren in school, sports and church activities. Helyn and Chuck were avid fans of BGSU athletics and the Detroit Tigers.
Helyn served on the board of directors for many community organizations and financial institutions. Her greatest service was as a lifetime member of St. John’s Lutheran Church. As a member of the church family, she served on many committees and assisted with activities whenever needed. Her fellowship reached those of every age group and need of the church.
Helyn’s proudest role was with those who called her wife, mother, grandma and great grandma. Left to love and serve others as she had shown are her children Todd (Cheryl) Kurfess, Ann (Warren) Hale, and Laura (Richard) Hertzfeld; her grandchildren Lucas (Melissa) Hale, Kraig (Brooke) Hale, Grant (Cara) Hale, Eleanor Hertzfeld, and Amy (Riley) Brown; her great grandchildren Sophie, Peyton, Archer, Ridge, June, Knox, Charlie, Oaklynn and Wyatt; sister Kathleen Holzman, brother Philip Rudolph, Sr. Preceding her in death were her husband Charles, great granddaughter Libbe Rose, her parents, brothers John, Frederick, and Kermit, and sister Mary.
A private family burial will take place at Troy Township Cemetery. A memorial service will be held at St. John’s Lutheran Church, Stony Ridge, Ohio on Saturday, August 24, 2024, at 12 p.m. Family will receive visitors beginning at 11 a.m. Arrangements are being handled by Marsh and Marsteller Funeral Homes with services conducted by Pastor Cindy Ritter.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests tributes be considered to: St. John’s Lutheran Church, Hospice of NW Ohio, or Bowling Green State University Foundation Charles and Helyn Kurfess Scholarship-Arts & Sciences.
