Helga Van Goor, 89, Hills, died Friday, May 2, 2003, at Tuff Memorial Home in Hills.Services were Tuesday, May 6, at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Hills. Burial was in Flowerfield Cemetery, Hills. Helga Nelson was born to Charles J. and Dagney (Nyhaugen) Nelson on June 25, 1913, near Hills. She attended country school and graduated from Hills High School in 1931. She married George Van Goor on Dec. 31, 1934, at Hills. They lived in Hills where she worked at the post office. They moved to her parent’s farm. She then worked at Blue Ribbon Hatchery and Fiske Produce in Hills. Due to her husband’s health they moved to Hills. She drove a school bus for many years and also was a cook for Tuff Memorial Home until she was 70. She moved to Tuff Memorial Home on Jan. 31.Mrs. Van Goor was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church and later, a member of Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Hills. She was a standout basketball player in high school and noted for her beautiful alto voice in duets and the church choir. She also did a lot of volunteer work in the community. Survivors include one son, Dennis (Dianne) Van Goor, Sioux Falls, S.D.; one daughter, Carol (Morris) Moon, Wilmot, S.D.; and several grandchildren and great-grandchildren.Mrs. Van Goor was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, George, two brothers and five sisters. Memorials are preferred to Tuff Memorial Home in Hills. Roste Funeral Home, Hills, was in charge of arrangements.
