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VERHELST -- Jane Teresa Services are schedule for Jane Teresa "Midge" VerHelst, 77, who passed away peacefully at her home in Black Hawk, SD, on Thursday, February 19, 2009. She was surrounded by her family after a long battle with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Following her wishes, her body was cremated. A Visitation Service will be held from 10:00 a.m. to noon on Friday, February 27, 2009 at Kinkade Funeral Chapel, 1235 Junction Ave., Sturgis, SD. At 1:00 p.m., a Graveside Ceremony will be held at Black Hills National Cemetery. Both events are open to the public. Midge was born July 10, 1931 in Mason City, Iowa. She graduated from St. Joseph High School in 1950. She was the only daughter, the second of three children. While growing up, she enjoyed anything that involved being outside. She was known for her strong swimming abilities and spent her summer days teaching swimming lessons at the local lake. She married Dr. James "Jim" A. VerHelst on November 3, 1951. After the birth of her first three sons and Jim's completion of Dental school, the family moved to Farmington, NM. Midge became an avid snow skier making frequent trips to the local ski resort, Purgatory in Durango, CO with her family in tote. She also logged several hours in at the local baseball fields watching her sons play baseball. She gave birth to a daughter and another son in Farmington which completed the family clan. In the early 70's, the family then moved to Ft. Meade, SD. This is where Midge found her true passion, horses, which brought her years of happiness and a lifetime of friendships. Although she had owned several horses, her true love was a gorgeous Hanoverian named Darien. Darien was Midge's pride and joy and their bond went beyond words. Midge loved lunches with friends and family, was always up for a good chat on the phone or in person, and cherished any event that involved horses. During her home hours, she loved to read and watch sports. She was even known to make a few side bets with her grandchildren on various sporting events which brought her enjoyment. Survivors include her four children, Tom VerHelst and his wife, Donna, of Spearfish, SD, Steve VerHelst and his wife, Hope, of Albuquerque, NM, Mary VerHelst, of Phoenix, AZ, and Paul VerHelst, of Rapid City, SD; grandchildren, Derek VerHelst, Brett VerHelst, Kelsi VerHelst, Mitchell VerHelst, Avery VerHelst, Kristin Forester and Amy Forester. She was preceded in death by her son John in 1991, her husband Jim in 2005, her brothers Pat and Mike, and parents Mabel Barney and Tom Phalen. In lieu of flowers or plants, a memorial has been established in her name at: Humane Society of the Black Hills, 1820 East St. Patrick Street, Rapid City, SD 57703. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.kinkadefunerals.com.
        Published on: Tue February 24, 2009