Helen A. Grote

Helen A. Grote, 75, of Hoagland, Indiana, passed away on Monday, October 21, 2019, at her daughter’s residence.

She was born on December 14, 1943 in Gary, Indiana to the late Emil Joyce and late Mable (Cunningham) Joyce. She married Leon D. “Hap” Grote on September 25, 2010 at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Decatur, Indiana.

Helen was a graduate of Crown Point High School. She retired in 2009 from Community Hospital in Munster, Indiana with 13 years of service. She had also worked at Black Oak Elementary School in the kitchen and as a crossing guard.

She was a member of Immanuel Lutheran Church in Decatur.

Helen is survived by her husband, Hap Grote of Decatur, Indiana; daughter, Melisa (Richard) Casteel of Monroeville, Indiana; son, Mark (Lindsay) Smeltzer of Portage, Indiana; brother, Robert (Debbie) Joyce of Westville, Indiana; brother, Richard (Lori Kay) Joyce of Gary, Indiana; sister-in-law, Sherry Joyce of Portage, Indiana; and seven grandchildren, Micheal Garman, Hunter Casteel, Logan Casteel, Richie Casteel, Marky Smeltzer, Meghan Smeltzer, and Jacen Smeltzer.

She is preceded in death by a brother, Melvin Joyce.

A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, October 26, 2019, at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Decatur, Indiana with Pastor David Koeneman officiating.

Family and friends will be received from 2-8 p.m. Friday, October 25, 2019, at the Zwick & Jahn Funeral Home – Decatur and one hour prior to the service at the church.

Preferred memorials can be made to the Immanuel House.

Arrangements are being handled by Zwick & Jahn Funeral Homes – Decatur.