Marybeth Helmink

Marybeth (Prusa) Helmink

Marybeth (Prusa) Helmink passed away after a battle with cancer on May 22, 2026, at the age of 62.

Marybeth was born on November 4, 1963, and grew up in rural Howells, NE. She and her twin
brother, Michael, were the youngest of nine children. She attended school in Howells,
Nebraska, graduating in 1982. In 1986, she graduated from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. She completed her Master of Science degree at Kansas State in 1987.

In 1987, she began work at the University of Nebraska as an assistant to the Dean in the College of Human Resources and Family Sciences and transitioned in to full-time student advising. She stepped away from the University for a few years to raise her son, but returned to student advising. Her current role was as an academic and career advisor for the College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources.
https://news.unl.edu/article/helmink-discovered-career-path-helping-peers-as-a-husker-undergrad

Marybeth traveled internationally several times: she was an exchange student to Japan during one of her high school summers. She also served on mission trips to Africa and Russia.

Marybeth was married to Kirk Helmink in May, 1999. They were blessed with their son, Noah, in 2003.

She was an avid Husker fan and enjoyed attending various games when possible; she was quick to point out student athletes that she had the opportunity to work with.

Marybeth assisted with various youth music and faith activities at the Lincoln Berean Church.

Preceded in death by her parents, Leonard and Dorothy Prusa, brothers- in-law, Roger Ogea and Bob Ginsburg, in-laws Gerald and Dorothy Helmink.

Marybeth is survived by her husband, Kirk, her son and daughter-in-law, Noah and Lauren; Siblings: Tom (Lynn) Prusa, Paul (Kim) Prusa, Dave (Lorraine) Prusa, Jim (Marla) Prusa, Peg Ogea-Ginsburg, Phil Prusa, Mark (Mary) Prusa, Micheal (Joannie) Prusa; nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews; uncle and aunt, Wayne & Rosemary Bos, cousins. Brother and Sisters-in-law: Kyle and Carey Helmink, Deb Tonack, Christine Sueverkruepp.

Celebration of Life: Thursday, May 28, 10:30 AM at Seven Willows, 7600 Panama Rd, Hickman, NE. Memorials to the family for future designation including the Lincoln Berean Espirit Youth Choir.