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Helen L. Carpenter

Helen L. Carpenter age 97 passed away on Friday, September 2nd. Born March 4, 1914 in the town of Rushford to Ed and Lutie Stiller Coats, she married Melvin H. Carpenter on March 30, 1938 in Winneconne. She was a member of First United Methodist Church.
Helen was employed for several years at Miles Kimball Company and the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh.
Helen and Mel enjoyed many wonderful years at their trailer in Northern Wisconsin and their weekly card parties with friends.
Helen was a great cook and baker and shared her talents with her grandchildren who called her "Nana Banana." Their home was the place to be for great meals and cookouts with family and friends.
Survivors include one son Daniel (Patricia) Carpenter of Oshkosh; son-in-law Tom Verkuilen of Winneconne; five grandchildren: Timothy Verkuilen of Oshkosh, Amy (William) Struensee of Winneconne, Andrea Carpenter , Katy (Greg) Duzinske, and Spike Carpenter of Oshkosh two great-grandchildren: Marlee Misco and Dominic Mueller of Oshkosh, two sisters Marion Oleson and Ruth (Dan) McDonald of Oshkosh. Sisters-in-law Eva Mae Coats of Oshkosh, Beverly Coats and Dorothy Coats of Omro and Donna Rae of Appleton. Brothers-in-law Merle "Bud" Carpenter of Omro and Ralph Spanbauer of Oshkosh. Many nieces, nephews and friends.
Helen was preceded in death by her husband, Melvin; daughter Jeane Verkuilen; five brothers Lawrence, Rexford, Elwin, Clair and Robert Coats; sisters-in-law Agnes Coats, Florence Carpenter, Flossie Carpenter, Shirley Carpenter, Neita Faye Spanbauer, Irene Haedt, Edith Holverson, Dorothy Gafner and Dorothy Carpenter; and brothers-in-law George Carpenter, Arthur Carpenter, Orville Haedt, Marvin Holverson and Frank Oleson.
The family would like to thank Dr. Matthew Fischer and the staff at Creekview South Evergreen Manor for the excellent care they gave Helen.
A Funeral Service for Helen will be held on Tuesday, September 6, 2011, at 4:00 p.m. at Mueller Funeral Home, Winneconne, with Pastor John Hobbins officiating. A Visitation for family and friends will be on Tuesday at the funeral home from 2:00 p.m. until the time of the service. Burial will take place in the Rushford Cemetery on Wednesday, September 7.
When I am gone, release me, let me go-
I have so many things to see and do
You musn't tie yourself to me with tears,
But be thankful for the beautiful years.
I gave to you my love, you can only guess
How much you have given me in happiness,
I thank you for the love you each have shown,
But now it is time I traveled alone.
So grieve awhile for me if grieve you must,
Then let your grief be comforted by trust.
It's only for a time that we must part,
So bless the memories with your heart.
I won't be far away, for life goes on,
My spirit lives though my body's gone,
And if you listen with your heart you'll hear
All my love around you soft and clear
And then... when you must come this way alone
I'll greet you with a smile and say "Welcome Home."

Mueller Funeral Home
904 E. Main St.
Winneconne, WI 54986
(920) 582-4242
Please submit online condolences to
www.muellerfuneralhomeinc.com