Helen Rae VanderBerg was born Aug. 29, 1928 in Spencer, to Albert and Catherine (Rozeboom) VanderBerg. The family then moved to Orange City where she spent her childhood.

Following high school Helen went to Northwestern College, obtaining a two-year teaching degree. Her first job was in Rock Valley, with 30 kindergarteners!

On July 14, 1950, Helen married Audley (Aud) DeGraaf. Following their marriage they moved to Calumet where Aud taught and coached for three years. They then moved to Hartley, where Helen substitute taught while raising their girls. While in her 50s, Helen returned to col...