Key Facts
| Key Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Helen Essenberg |
| Profession | Registered Nurse |
| DAR Chapter | Elizabeth Schuyler Hamilton Chapter |
| Spouse | James Essenberg |
| Children | Randy, Steve, Alicia |
| Date of Death | February 2, 2022 |
Early Life
Few details regarding Helen Essenberg’s birthplace or childhood are known. Records suggest she was born about 1935 and raised in Holland, Michigan. Her childhood is unknown, however her familial roots suggest a Midwestern upbringing.
| Aspect | Detail |
|---|---|
| Birthplace | Not publicly documented |
| Birth Year | c. 1935 (inferred) |
| Childhood Region | Holland, Michigan (likely) |
| Public Records | No formal birth or school records found |
Nursing Career
Helen spent her career nursing at Holland Hospital, giving compassion and professionalism. She helped countless patients at their most vulnerable moments with her steady hand and caring bedside style for decades. Her career epitomized mid-20th-century healthcare professionals’ modest excellence.
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Position | Registered Nurse |
| Institution | Holland Hospital, Holland, MI |
| Years Active | Mid-1950s to late 1990s (approximate) |
| Notable Qualities | Compassionate care, strong community focus |
DAR Involvement
Helen devoted herself to the local Daughters of the American Revolution outside the hospital. She arranged events, investigated genealogies, and promoted American heritage as an Elizabeth Schuyler Hamilton Chapter officer. The chapter’s educational purpose revolved around her historical talks.
| Topic | Information |
|---|---|
| Chapter Name | Elizabeth Schuyler Hamilton Chapter |
| Leadership Roles | Officer for multiple terms |
| Historical Focus | Revolutionary War lineage research |
| Membership Years | Circa 1970s–2022 |
Community Contributions
Helen’s community spirit expanded beyond formal meetings to classrooms and public events. She organized Matchbox car giveaways to interest kids in history, staged early American figure tale sessions, and mentored newer DAR members. Netherlands’ educational outreach was shaped by her hands-on approach.
| Activity | Description |
|---|---|
| Matchbox Car Donations | Provided toy cars to illustrate historical timelines |
| Historical Presentations | Regular talks on Founding Era personalities |
| Mentorship | Guided new DAR members in research and protocol |
| Classroom Workshops | Interactive sessions for local schoolchildren |
Financial Overview
Helen’s financial information are kept private despite her decades of professional service, reflecting her generation’s modesty about wealth. She would have made a nice but inconspicuous livelihood as a mid-century nurse without known estate values. Anything regarding her net worth is hypothetical without public reports.
| Category | Estimate/Status |
|---|---|
| Net Worth | Not publicly documented |
| Career Income | Modest, typical of mid-century nursing |
| Estate Details | No probate or public estate filings |
| Financial Records | Absent from obituaries and tributes |
Family Structure
The Essenbergs raised three children and built a loving family over their 65-year marriage. Their children, Randy, Steve, and Alicia, lived nearby in West Michigan, continuing their parents’ service and community beliefs. Grandchildren and a great-grandchild remember Helen with the same warmth she brought to every room.
| Relation | Name | Spouse | Residence |
|---|---|---|---|
| Husband | James Essenberg | — | Holland, MI |
| Son | Randy Essenberg | Denise | Grand Rapids, MI |
| Son | Steve Essenberg | Judy | Holland, MI |
| Daughter | Alicia Zeedyk | Ken | Zeeland, MI |
| Grandchildren | 4 (names private) | — | West Michigan region |
| Great-Grandchild | 1 (name private) | — | West Michigan region |
FAQ
Who was Helen Essenberg?
In Holland, Michigan, Helen Essenberg was a dedicated registered nurse and Daughters of the American Revolution member.
What was her primary profession?
She provided compassionate patient care at Holland Hospital for decades as a registered nurse.
She worked at Holland Hospital when?
Her nursing career possibly extended the mid-1950s to late 1990s, but dates are unknown.
Which DAR chapter did she belong to?
Helen was an Elizabeth Schuyler Hamilton Chapter Daughters of the American Revolution officer.
For what communal activities was she known?
She delivered classroom Matchbox car gifts and conducted historical presentations to schools and civic groups.
What is known about her net worth?
No financial records or estate valuations are published, suggesting a small estate.
Who are her immediate family members?
She and James Essenberg had three children—Randy, Steve, and Alicia—four grandchildren, and one great-grandchild.
