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Helen M. Smith Korte, 90, of Vandalia, IL, formerly of St. Elmo, IL, passed away peacefully on Sunday, March 08, 2026 at her daughter’s residence, surrounded by family.
A Funeral Service will be held at 3:00 PM, Friday, March 13, 2026 at Hohlt & File Funeral Home, Vandalia, with Pastor Dustin Ruble officiating. Interment will follow at Fairlawn Cemetery, Vandalia. Visitation will be held for one hour prior to the service from 2:00-3:00 PM, Friday, at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to an organization of the donor’s choice.
Helen Marie Dial was born on May 30, 1935, in St. Elmo, Illinois, to Zennie and Malinda Lodema (Doty) Dial. She married William O. Smith on November 10, 1951, and they had two daughters. The couple celebrated 46 years of marriage before Bill’s passing on November 20, 1997. Later, she married Norbert H. Korte on January 1, 2000, and they shared 24 years of marriage; he preceded in death on March 7, 2024.
During her childhood, Helen enjoyed horseback riding and making homemade ice cream at her family home. She and her siblings contributed to the restaurant in St. Elmo and were involved in delivering milk and meat to the local community. Later, she worked at the Princess Peggy Dress Factory. Afterward, she served as a dietary aide at Vandalia Community Schools for many years.
Helen was fond of her pet poodle, Francois, often walking him in downtown parades. She appreciated her garden of purple tulips, cooking, and sewing. Her interests also included observing bald eagles, squirrels, and people. Helen’s life centered around her family. She cherished capturing memories through photographs, shopping, family trips, gatherings, and playing cards. She dedicated significant time to her daughters, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren, frequently checking in on them. A devout member of Vera Baptist Church, Helen’s faith was integral to her life. Her devotion to family and community exemplified her caring and nurturing nature, leaving a lasting legacy of love and commitment.
Mrs. Korte is survived by her daughter, Wendy and husband David Goodin of Vandalia; daughter, Zena and husband Thomas Richardson of Ramsey; sisters, Carrie Dodson of Effingham, Fairy Kline of St. Elmo, and Cora Miley of St. Elmo; grandchildren, Mindy (Tom) File, Crystal (John) Stilt, Zennia (Brad) Wooden, William (Laura) Muma, Amanda (Chauncey) Wheeler, Scott (Tiffani) Richardson, and Kayla (D.J.) Morgan; great-grandchildren, Courtney (Timothy) Hartupee, Andrew (Alecia) Gaylord, Kelly (John) Moore, Andy Stilt, Joey (Kaila) Stilt, Breese (Brinden) Mooney, Mistie (Josh) Barker, David Stilt, Brad Wooden Jr., Kenzie Wooden, Anthony (Kat) Snow, Brandan (Makya)Snow, Shayla (Michael) Weischedel, Gavin (Vivien) Muma, Brantley Richardson, Kaylin Morgan, Chauncey Wheeler Jr., John Wheeler, McKenzie Wheeler, Adalynn Wheeler, and Ayah Wheeler; numerous great-great-grandchildren; many nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husbands; and a brother, Charles Dial.
Online Condolences & Obituaries available at www.hohltandfilefh.com
Arrangements by Hohlt & File Funeral Home, Vandalia, IL
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