June

NELLIE JUNE HELLE, 15g (George A. 14, Frederick 13)

b.Cuba, IL; June 1924

d.Wyoming, IL;  Aug. 1932

br. Cuba, IL; Sinnett Chapel Cemetery

NELLIE JUNE HELLE, the thirteenth and last child of George A. and Ida (Kaler) Helle, brought them great joy and great sorrow. Two and one-half years younger than her sister, Charlotte, she was alert, witty and had a zest for life. Because Charlotte was a day-dreamer. their mother would tell June, 'Take care of Charlotte so she doesn't get run over." (This admonishment came after Charlotte had walked across the tracks in front of a moving train.)

June and Charlotte contracted diphtheria in August of 1932 and both were ill at the same time. Charlotte recovered, but June did not and died from the ravages of the disease.

Brother, Gail, wrote of this time in their lives: 'Charlotte and June were the two little sisters, very devoted to their brothers, even me. As little kids, I probably was closer to them than anybody. We had a wonderful childhood together. This rudely ended with the passing of our little sister, June. This was a terrible shock to all of us but especially confusing to Charlotte and me at our young ages. It was very hard to understand and no one realized we needed help through this period of our grief. Mom and Dad were too grief stricken, so we had to find our own way with friends to help us."

Charlotte relates, "Mom never got over June's death. I don't believe Pop ever did either. I guess even after twelve children, the baby of the family has a special place in people's hearts. June was special! She was so bright and loving that I'm sure she was a favorite with all of the family. "I have to admit there had been times in her eight short years that I felt envious but I missed my little playmate. Yet today, I realize many years later how much richer a life I would have had if this child with the beautiful spirit would have lived."

Tune now playing "Red River Valley" was a favorite song of Junes

Dad (Don) had a good voice, but the only time I ever heard him sing was when he was driving, then only if we were alone. One time when we were on the way to Savannah Dad

sang this song, I was perhaps ten perhaps twelve years old but I clearly remember he was very sad singing that song. Only now do I realize he was remembering June as he sang that song

More pictures of June have been submitted since this page was made use your back button to return to this page  Junes Pictures

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