Helen Dobbelaere

Helen Dobbelaere, 103, of Shawnee, KS died peacefully Thursday, November 24th at Olathe Hospice House.

Helen was born October 19, 1919 in Lenexa, KS to John and Rose Klein.  She was the fourth of ten children.  Helen grew up with no indoor plumbing and wood stove heat but with a strong work ethic that endured throughout her life.  She married her husband, Adolph, in 1945 after a three year wait while he served overseas in World War II.  Together they raised four children in their Shawnee home where she lived until her death.  Helen was extremely active into her late 90’s mowing and caring for her large homesite and selling produce from her garden.  She also loved to go to the casino, making her last outing a few weeks prior to her passing.  She was an eternal optimist, always upbeat and a pleasure to be around.

In her final years, she channeled her efforts into crocheting, making hundreds of afghans and dishcloths.  She was a proud member of St. Joseph Parish where she was a regular at 5:00 Mass pre-covid.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband of 50 years, Adolph, in 1995; grandson, Kevin Dusselier; three sisters and five brothers.

She is survived by one brother, Jim Klein of Bonner Springs and two sister-in-laws, Nancy Klein of Shawnee and Helen Klein of Olathe; four children, Kay Stitz (Paul), Peggy Kremer (Don), George Dobbelaere (Kathy) and Rose Dusselier (Steve); nine grandchildren, twenty-two great-grandchildren, two great-great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.  She was loved and will be missed by all who knew her.

A special thank you to Margaret and Lucy, her two main caregivers who called her momma.  Also thank you to the caring staff at Olathe Hospice House who made her last hours so comfortable.

A visitation will be held on Wednesday, November 30th from 9:30 to 10:30 am at St. Joseph Catholic Church.  A rosary will be prayed at 10:30 am.  Mass of Christian Burial to start at 11:00 am with interment at St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery to follow.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to St. Joseph Catholic Church in her memory.