Marybeth (Prusa) Helmink, 62, of Hickman, died May 22, from cancer.
Helmink was born Nov. 4, 1963, and grew up in rural Howells, Nebraska, the youngest of nine children. She and her twin brother, Michael, were the youngest in the Prusa family. She graduated from Howells High School in 1982.
She earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Nebraska–Lincoln in 1986 and a Master of Science degree from Kansas State University in 1987.
Helmink began her career at the University of Nebraska in 1987 as an assistant to the dean in the College of Human Resources and Family Sciences. She later moved into student advising, which became the focus of her professional work. After stepping away from the university for several years to raise her son, she returned to advising and served most recently as an academic and career adviser in UNL’s College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources.
In her advising roles, Helmink worked with students on academic planning, degree progress, and career preparation. She advised thousands of students and was known for her steady presence throughout their time at the university. She also assisted with transfer pathways and degree clearance processes and volunteered at commencement ceremonies as a marshal to support graduates and their families.
Helmink mentored new academic advisers and contributed to onboarding and training within advising teams. Colleagues noted her willingness to share knowledge and support others in developing their professional practice.
Even while facing significant health challenges, Helmink remained engaged in her work, continuing to support students and departmental processes, including enrollment and graduation-related responsibilities.
Helmink participated in a high school exchange program in Japan and later joined mission trips to Africa and Russia.
She married Kirk Helmink in May 1999. They had one son, Noah.
Helmink was a dedicated supporter of Nebraska athletics and attended Husker events when possible. She also followed the accomplishments of students she advised.
She was active in youth music and faith programming at Lincoln Berean Church, including involvement with youth choir activities.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Leonard and Dorothy Prusa; brothers-in-law Roger Ogea and Bob Ginsburg; and in-laws Gerald and Dorothy Helmink.
Survivors include her husband, Kirk; son and daughter-in-law, Noah and Lauren Helmink; siblings Tom (Lynn) Prusa, Paul (Kim) Prusa, Dave (Lorraine) Prusa, Jim (Marla) Prusa, Peg Ogea-Ginsburg, Phil Prusa, Mark (Mary) Prusa, and Michael (Joannie) Prusa; nieces, nephews, and extended family; and brother- and sisters-in-law Kyle and Carey Helmink, Deb Tonack, and Christine Sueverkruepp.
A celebration of life will be 10:30 a.m. May 28, at Seven Willows, 7600 Panama Road, Hickman, Nebraska. Memorials are suggested to the family for future designation, including support of the Lincoln Berean Espirit Youth Choir.
