Hielkje Stam

In 1949, Hielkje R. Stam immigrated with her husband Berend to the United States from the Netherlands . Life long farmers, they worked hard and raised their two sons, Roelof and Arend on their town of Wausau farm. Hielkje was proud of becoming a U.S. Citizen and took great pride in her family, her heritage and her community. She passed away peacefully at her home on Monday, November 3, 2008 .

She was born July 27, 1919 in Hoogeveen , Drenthe, the Netherlands to the late Arend and Antje (DeJonge) Pekel. Before immigrating, Hielkje married Berend in Hoogeveen , Drenthe on November 26, 1948 .

She was a long time member of New Hope Community Church , town of Easton . Her hobbies included sewing, gardening and cooking.

Survivors include her husband, Berend, two sons, Roelof (Carole) Stam of the town of Wausau, Arend “Archie” (Ann) Stam of Oshkosh, three grandchildren, Phillip, Derek, and Megan Stam, one step grandson, Michael Borchardt, one step great granddaughter, Michelle Borchardt, three brothers, Arie (Johanna) Pekel, Lambertus (Klazina) Pekel, Hendrik Pekel all of the Netherlands, and one sister, Klazina (Hendrikus) Lubberts of Ontario, Canada. She was preceded in death by two sisters, Roelofje Koekoek, Gertje TerVeld, and one brother, Jan Pekel.

Private family services will be held at Helke Funeral Home, Wausau . Burial will be in Forestville Cemetery . You may sign our family guest book at helke.com.