Helena K. (Hoelzlhammer) Van Den Elzen

Helena K. Van Den Elzen, age 83 passed away surrounded by her loving family on Wednesday, March 14, 2018.  Helena was born on May 22, 1934 to John and Katharina (Schneider) Hoelzlhammer in Milwaukee, WI.  

Helena grew up in Milwaukee and graduated from Washington High School Class of 1952.  She met her husband Clifford while working at Price Erecting Company and they were married October 22, 1955.  They made their home in Milwaukee until a career change took them to Appleton in 1975 where she worked in banking and did office work for Les Stumph Ford.

Helena’s entire life was dedicated to the church, her family and to serving others.  She sang in church choirs for over 50 years and loved her choir families.  She devoted much of her time to behind the scenes work at the St. Pius X parish.  In fact, when Helena no longer could serve at the parish, they advertised for several people to do the work she had done.

She was known for her applesauce, lemon poppy seed bread and lemon meringue pies and was happy for any time she could spend with her large, boisterous family.   She traveled near and far to participate in her children and grandchildren’s special events.  She was a devoted sports fan for any team from Wisconsin.  One of her life’s highlights was traveling with the UW Green Bay Women’s basketball team.

Helena is survived by her children, Katherine (Gary) Marsack of Bayview, WI, Elizabeth (Brian) Hoch of Brookfield, WI, Carolyn (Tom) Stark of Minneapolis, MN, Patricia (Todd) Neiss of Cadillac, MI, Clifford (Jolene) Van Den Elzen of North Prairie, WI, Joseph (Carleen) Van Den Elzen of Appleton, WI and Mariann Van Den Elzen of Bozeman, MT; her grandchildren, Meredith (Matt) Ehn, Melissa (Dan) Persinger, Erica (Patrick) McMahon, Ashley (Jeff) Terry, Brandon, Rachel and Elizabeth Stark, Trevor, Tyler and Maggie Neiss, Jason (Katie) Johnson, Andrew (Sarah) Johnson, Adam and Anthony Wuest and Christina Stout; great-grandchildren, Sophia and Eli Ehn, Harper Persinger, Siobhan and Colin McMahon, Finley Terry, Caroline, Amelia, and Lucas Johnson, Beau and Avanti Wuest; a sister, Louise Guyton; a brother, John Hoelzlhammer; other relatives and many friends.

Preceding her in death are her parents and her husband.

A Memorial Mass for Helena will be celebrated Monday, March 19, 2018 at 11:30AM at St. Pius X Catholic Church (500 W. Marquette Street, Appleton, WI) with Fr. Jim Jugenheimer officiating.  Memorial visitation will be from 9:30AM until the time of the mass at the Church.  Memorial contributions in Helena’s name may be directed to:  St. Pius X Catholic Church.  

May this precious woman of Faith rest in peace.

Thelen Funeral Services of North Prairie/Genesee, WI is honored to be assisting the family.  262-392-4251

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