Helen L. Dalson

When reflecting on the life of Helen Dalson, it is easy to see what it means to be a woman after Gods own heart. She was faithful in everything she did, counting both the peaks and valleys along her lifes journey as part of Gods perfect plan for her life. A more devoted wife and mother would be hard to find, and although Helen treasured these roles, being a grandmother just may have been the role she waited for her entire life. She kept a neat and tidy home where she frequently hosted others as being generous and hospitable were just a couple of Helens many gifts. She was courageous when she needed to be with a quiet strength that inspired all who knew her. Helen will be dearly missed but never forgotten. The Roaring Twenties were a vibrant time in our nations history. Radios put us in touch with the world around us while automobiles were becoming a regular part of our lives as they were more affordable than they had ever been. Business was booming, and innovation was transforming the way we lived our everyday lives. Nestled within this exciting time was the year 1922 that was filled with unspeakable joy for a young couple from Detroit, Michigan, as they were blessed with the birth of a healthy baby girl on June 16th. Helen Lorine was the second of four children born to her parents, Harold and Mary (Dingman) Eichhorn, and she was raised in the family home alongside her older sister, Virginia, and her younger sisters, Dorothy and Joan. Her father worked at Hudson Motors in Detroit while her mother was a homemaker. As the prosperity of the 1920s gave way to the 1930s, the Great Depression blanketed us throughout the entire decade. The trials of the time sent Helen to live with her Aunt Alice and Uncle Jack in San Francisco until returning to Detroit in 1939. Helen was one of the few people that walked the Golden Gate Bridge the day it opened. She went on to graduate from Detroit Southeastern High School where she was a majorette. In 1942, Helen moved to Muskegon where she took a job at Continental Motors. This proved to be a fateful move as it was at work that she met the man with whom she would spend the best years of her life. His name was Merle C. Dalson, and he also worked there. Love blossomed over time, and they married on June 8, 1946, in Muskegon. Together they were blessed with five children: Richard, Dan, Ray, Diane, and Linda. The Dalsons made their family home at 3425 Dalson Road, which was named after a family member some time ago. They looked forward to family trips to places like Alabama, Detroit to visit family, Disney World in Florida, church camp, and Traverse City as well. As a mother Helen spoke up when needed as a couple of her favorite lines were, Go to your room! or, Wait till your father gets home! For several years she took care of additional children in their home. Helen loved playing a wide variety of games and had wonderful skills in the kitchen, which were highly appreciated by her family. Helen and her family were longtime members of Dalton Baptist Church where Helen was actively involved in a variety of programs and ministries. Sundays always started with a big family breakfast as well as a large family dinner before going back to church for evening services. Helens home was clean and tidy, and she enjoyed hosting others, too, such as ministers, missionaries, or other guests. Later she attended Blue Lake Community Church. When the storms of life came her way, Helens strength was found in her faith. Her mothers death in the early sixties was very hard on her, and Helen clung to her faith during the days, weeks, and months that followed. By the time they were ready to embark on their retirement years, Helen was thrilled to see all that life had in store. She became a grandmother in 1975 and had ten grandchildren. Andrea, Blake, Dana, Christopher, Jill, Garth, Keith, Stephanie, Leah, and Jared. She adored each and every one of them and was very involved in all of their lives. The whole family treasured large family gatherings that also included several extended family members as well. A few years after Merle retired in 1976, the couple moved to Beverly Hills Apartments in Muskegon. They spent about seven years living there until moving to Sebring, Florida, in 1986. Helen continued to do some of the things she enjoyed like shopping, golfing, bowling, and traveling. She was deeply saddened with Merles sudden death in 1996, and just one year later she moved back to Muskegon where she remained for the rest of her life. Helen enjoyed good health until 2010 when a gradual decline began. With unending love for her family, Helen Dalson was a blessing in the lives of those around her. She was a humble and faith-filled woman whose compassion and kindhearted spirit had no equal. It was easy to see by the way Helen lived her life that she put God first in everything she did, even when the storms of life came her way. She was fun, honest, and a graceful fighter who never complained about anything. Life will never be the same without Helen here, but her timeless legacy will be proudly carried on by the generations she adored. Helen L. Dalson died on Wednesday, December 25, 2013. Helens family includes her sons, Richard (Kathy) Dalson of Whitehall, Dan (Cherl) Dalson of North Muskegon, Ray (JoAnn) Dalson of Nevada; daughters, Diane McMillan of Norton Shores, Linda (Fred) Ozar of Whitehall; ten grandchildren; sixteen great-grandchildren; sister, Joan (Bill) Pratt of Sterling Hts. MI; sister-in-law, Ruth Rop of Muskegon. Helen was preceded in death by her husband, Merle, and sisters, Virginia Lenter & Dorothy Paul. Services will be held on Monday, December 30, 2013, 11:00 a.m. and visitation one hour prior to the service at the Clock Chapel - Muskegon with Rev. Kevin Pycraft officiating. Interment at East Dalton Oakhill Cemetery. Memorials can be made to Blue Lake Community Church.