Helen R. Altwine, 57, of Kearney, died Thursday, December 1, 2016 after undergoing open-heart surgery at the University of Nebraska Medical Center in Omaha, NE.

A memorial service will be held 10:30 am Friday, December 9, 2016 at Countryside Christian Church in Kearney with Pastor Dean Pofahl officiating. O’Brien Straatmann Redinger Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. 

Helen was born was born February 12, 1959 in Lexington, NE to Helen and Buss Gunnerson. She received her education from Lexington High School, graduating in 1977. On June 2, 1977, Helen was united in marriage to James Radcliffe.

She would later marry Rick Altwine on August 16, 2008. 

Helen raised her family in Elm Creek and recently moved to Kearney to be closer to family and work. For the past 5 years, she has worked at Cabela’s. Helen enjoyed helping customers by learning more about them and making sure they were 100% satisfied. Helen was artistic, creative and enjoyed making crafty projects for the ones she loved. She was always willing to help her friends with anything they needed and enjoyed staying busy. She was best known as "motor mouth" as she always had something to say in every situation. Anyone that knew Helen knew that her grandchildren were the light and happiness in her life and she would tell anyone that would listen all about them. They were the "boys that make the noise" as she would say. She will be greatly missed by all that knew her. 

Left to cherish her memory are her husband Rick Altwine of Alma; daughters Katie Radcliffe and significant other, Mike Langner of Seward, Tessa Bayne and husband Brent of Kearney; grandchildren Kaden, Coltin, Blake and Branson Bayne, Jack Langner, Carson, Carleigh and Cooper Altwine, Axton, Rowan and Gavin Altwine; step-son Josh Altwine and wife Brittney of Pella Iowa and Eric Altwine and wife Megan of Norfolk ; honorary daughter Mandi Quincy of Reeds, MO; siblings Bonnie Holbrook and husband Gene of Lexington, Ronnie Linden and wife Judy of Lexington, Roger Linden of Cozad, Bobby Linden and wife Janice of Cozad, Sandy Meisinger-Atkinson and husband Pat Atkinson of Sterling, CO, Danny Linden of Lincoln and Jimmy Linden of Nebraska; as well as many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Helen was preceded in death by his son Tyson Radcliffe, an infant son; grand-daughter Brianna Wolford; her parents; sister Donna Linden; brother Kevin Meisinger and sister-in-law Carol Linden.