Helen J. Stechmesser, age 85, died peacefully Monday morning, July 4, 2016 at her residence, surrounded by her loving family.
Helen was born on February 28, 1931, in Green Bay, daughter of the late George and Johanna (Verhasselt) Fritsch. Following graduation from Appleton Senior High School and Outagamie County Teacher's College, she taught in the New Holstein and Chilton area until she met Earl Stechmesser, who became the love of her life. They were married at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Sherwood on June 13, 1953. Helen took great pride in her bookkeeping, which led to her becoming a dedicated employee at A.A. Laun Furniture Company, where she was a bookkeeper for 34 years, until her retirement.
Helen was an active member at SS. Peter and Paul Catholic Church, Kiel. She was an avid reader, and enjoyed embroidering, solving puzzles of all kinds, and playing cards, especially Sheephead. Helen and Earl also took great pleasure in dancing, as well as traveling around the country, which led them to virtually every state.
Helen is survived by Earl, her husband of 63 years; a sister and brother-in-law, Elaine and Francis Orth; a sister-in-law, Mabel Stechmesser; and many special nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents; two brothers-in-law, William and Elmer (Marie) Stechmesser; and two sisters-in-law, Adeline (Carl) Kuether and Eunice (Jack) Knocke.
Mass of Christian Burial for Helen will be at 11:00 AM on Thursday, July 7, 2016 at Holy Rosary Catholic Church (1724 Madison Street, New Holstein), with burial to follow at SS. Peter and Paul Catholic Cemetery, Kiel.
The family will greet relatives and friends from 10:00 AM until the time of service at 11:00 AM at Holy Rosary Catholic Church. (There will be no Wednesday evening visitation.)
The family wishes to thank Aurora VNA Hospice, Dr. David J. Deubler and his staff of Kiel, and the doctors and staff of the Cardiac Division of Sheboygan Aurora Medical Center, for all of the care and compassion they have shown to Helen and her family.