Helen L. Kaufman, 94, of Argenta, IL, passed away at 8:04 AM Sunday, Aug. 25, 2013 at McKinley Court, Decatur, IL. Funeral services will be at 3 PM Thursday, Aug. 29, 2013 at Argenta United Methodist Church with Rev. Kevin Treptow officiating. Burial will follow at friends Creek Cemetery, Argenta. Visitation will Thursday, Aug. 29, 2013 from 1-3 PM at the church. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Argenta United Methodist Church, American Heart Association or American Diabetes Association. The family has entrusted Calvert Funeral Home, Argenta, IL with arrangements.

Helen was born in Argenta, IL on Feb. 17, 1919, the daughter of Perry M. and Anna (Parr) Hilbrant. She attended the Argenta Public Schools, graduating salutatorian from the class of 1937. She attended Brown’s Business College in Decatur, IL. Helen was employed by the Jenkins Music Co. of Decatur, IL for a short time, she was also a former employee of The Gerber State Bank of Argenta for thirteen years. 

Helen was a lifetime member of the Argenta United Methodist Church, past secretary of the administrative board, member and secretary of United Methodist Women for many years.

Helen loved music. She was a violinist and played for the church, at weddings and played for dances and many other functions in the area over the years. She played with a five piece orchestra for high school parties and dances. At one time, Helen also played with a string group from Decatur, IL.

Helen married Kenneth “Buck” Kaufman on Feb. 25, 1950 in the home of Rev. F. E. Blimline of Ridott, IL. Kenneth died Jan. 4, 1992. She is survived by her sons, Brian K. Kaufman of Argenta, IL and Rodney G. Kaufman and wife Michelle of Oreana, IL; step-grandchildren, Rob Johnson of Ypsilanti, MI and Jennifer Johnson (Eric Ryder) of Grand Rapids, MI; step-great granddaughter, Austyn Ryder of Grand Rapids, MI. Also surviving are her brother-in-law, Larry (Maureen) Kaufman of Argenta, IL; sisters-in-law, Betty Hilbrant of Lexington, KY, Pauline Kaufman of Argenta, IL, Evelyn Kaufman of Argenta, IL and Wanda Lewis of Forsyth, IL; along with 13 nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, sister: Carol Acton, brother: Mervil Glenn Hilbrant and brothers-in law Dale Kaufman and Wayne Kaufman.

A big thanks to Wanda Lewis and Evelyn Kaufman for all their help.

Online condolences may be made at www.calvertmemorial.com.