Helen Block

Helen Virginia Block, 85, of Gothenburg, Nebraska, died May 12, 2014 at Hilltop Estates in Gothenburg, NE.

She was born September 29, 1928 in Cozad, NE, daughter of Alfred and Catharine (Onskt) Richey.

Helen graduated from Cozad High School, and attended Teacher's College in Kearney. She taught country school near Cozad for four years. Helen married Virgil Block on July 3, 1949 at the Evangelical United Brethren Church at Cozad. She worked as a retail clerk at W.J. O'Connor's, A & L Variety and Ben Franklin for many years. Helen was a member of a Women's Extension Club and AAL (Thrivent for Lutherans). As a young teenager, she also volunteered at the North Platte Canteen. She enjoyed baking, cooking, crocheting, bingo and reading. She loved having company and spending time with her grandkids.

Surviving are two daughters, Jeanne Sitorius of San Luis Obispo, CA, Joyce (Norv) Kolbo of Gothenburg, NE; son, Steve (Beth) Block of Steele City, NE; four grandsons, Jeremy and Tricia Sitorius of Gothenburg, NE, Todd and Heidi Block of Fremont, NE, Lathen Block of Steele City, NE, Lyndon Block of Steele City, NE; three granddaughters, Jennifer and David Campa of San Luis Obispo, CA, Amy and James Headley of Gothenburg, NE, Karabeth Block of Fremont; three great-granddaughters, Kenidi Campa of San Luis Obispo, CA, Nataleagh Sitorius of Gothenburg, NE, Liliana Sitorius of Gothenburg, NE; three great-grandsons, Colton Campa of San Luis Obispo, CA, Joseph Headley of Gothenburg, NE, Benjamin Headley of Gothenburg, NE; three step grandsons, Scott Kolbo, Chad and his sons Trey & Zach Kolbo, Dirk (fiancée Kay Kaczor) Kolbo; step granddaughter, Angie and her children Dalton and Shelby Johnston; along with extended family and friends.

Helen was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Virgil Richard Block in 1982, three sisters - Vivian Kerr, Harriet Richey, Martha Richey; brother, George Richey.


Visitation will be held at Blase-Strauser Memorial Chapel, Gothenburg, Nebraska; Thursday, May 15, 2014 1:00 pm - 8:00 pm. with the family present from 5-7.

Funeral services will be held at American Lutheran Church, Friday, May 16, 2014 at 3:00 pm with Pastor Jon Mapa officiating.

Private Interment will follow in the American Lutheran "Christ" Cemetery, Gothenburg, Nebraska.

Memorials may be given to the American Lutheran Church, 1512 F, Gothenburg, NE 69138.