Helen Gertrude (Oelke) Slow

Helen Gertrude (Oelke) Slow

Deep Run, NC

Helen Gertrude (Oelke) Slow, 89, passed into glory on Monday, September 1, 2025, surrounded by her loving family. She was born on June 27, 1936 in Defiance, OH. She was preceded in death by her parents, Herman and Gertrude Oelke; spouse, James William Slow; son, James Tribune Slow; brothers, Omar, Gene, John; and sisters, Gertrude, and Trudy.

Helen graduated from Defiance High School in 1954. After graduating she attended nursing school. It was during this time that she married the love of her life James Slow. They were married on December 23, 1955 at St. John Lutheran Church in Defiance, OH.

During the first few years of their marriage they were stationed in various parts of the country. In 1966, Jim was ordained as a Lutheran minister, and she became a pastor’s wife. Helen was the epitome of a pastor’s wife, and showed God’s love to all she met. She loved painting, reading, antiquing, refinishing furniture with her husband, and most of all caring for her children.

Helen is survived by children; Lori Olson (Kenny), Peshtigo, Wi; Baird Slow, Deep Run, NC; Julia Dominique (Denny), Defiance, OH; Jennifer Grubbs (Chris), Deep Run, NC; daughter-in-law, Paula Slow, Nashville, TN; brother-in-law, Steven Slow, Green Bay, WI; seven grandchildren, Javan Slow (Jayme), Janelle Anderson (Ben), Amanda Kunst (Jim), Trudi Skedsvold (Erick), Rebekah VandeWalle (Brett), Aaron Olson (Jeni), and Andrew Olson (Kiahna), and 19 great-grandchildren.

Visitation will be held from 10:30-11:00 a.m. with Funeral Services beginning at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, September 5, 2025 at Deep Run Original Free Will Baptist Church in Deep Run, with burial following in the church cemetery.

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