Helen Margaret Lee, age 93, passed away quietly at Webster Manor, with family at her side.
She was born September 22, 1922, in the town of Rushford to John and Bertha (Pollex) Kratz. Helen recalled many happy times in her childhood, growing up with six sisters and one brother. She graduated from Omro High School, attended Oshkosh Business College, and went on to live and work in Oshkosh. She shared a small apartment with Marge Lee (Wesner). It was then that Helen met Marge's brother, Clarence. On June 10, 1944, Helen was married to Clarence J. Lee, a marriage that lasted for the next 51 years. Clarence preceded her in death in January, 1995.
The Lees lived most of their married life in the rural Redgranite area. There they raised their four children: Cheryl, Clarence, Marvin, and Joanne. Helen always kept busy raising the kids and working outside the home in customer service at various businesses. Clarence and Helen retired from farming in 1983 and moved to Omro. Helen worked until she was in her mid-80's, her last job being employed as a Wal-Mart greeter. She was an excellent greeter because of her friendliness and outgoing personality.
Helen always said that she was grateful that her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren all hold the Christian faith. She, along with her husband Clarence, strongly believed that this was the most important part of raising their children.
Helen very much enjoyed the company of her family and would have them all over for Sunday dinner. Her fried chicken was the best! She also enjoyed playing cards with friends and family.
She was a member of Messiah Lutheran Church, Omro.
Helen is survived by her four children, Cheryl (Edward) Buchanan, Omro~ Clarence (Mary) Lee, Waukau~ Marvin Lee, Pickett~ Joanne (Bill) Jakubek, Neenah~ grandchildren, Michael Buchanan, Gail (Matt) Schmitz, Rebecca (Dan) Kollmann, Nathan Lee, Mark (Beth) Lee, Jason (Kara) Lee, Jennifer (Todd) Schmitz, Jordan Jakubek, and Trevor Jakubek; great-grandchildren, Justine and Emily Kollmann, Jacob Lee, Derek, Carson, Anika, Karina, and Alexander Lee, Jadon, Jayna, Seth, Eli, and Jesse Schmitz. She is also survived by sisters, Marie (Dick) Derber, Oshkosh; and Ruth (Clair) Retzlaff, Omro~ brothers-in-law, Norman Schneiter, Glenbeulah; Raymond Marks, Winneconne~ sister-in-law, Shirley O'Connell, Oshkosh~ and many nieces and nephews.
Helen was preceded in death by Clarence her husband of 51 years~ daughter-in-law, Marjorie Lee~ brother, Louis Kratz~ sisters, brothers-in-law, and sisters-in-law, Clarence and Louise Wright, Esther Marks, Lorraine Schneiter, Marion and Orin Retzlaff, Robert and Virginia Carpenter, John O'Connell, Lewis and Marjorie Wesner, and Lowell and Mabel Lee.
A visitation for family and friends will be on Tuesday, August 16, 2016, from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. at Mueller Funeral Home 904 E. Main St. Winneconne. A funeral service will be held on Tuesday at 3:00 p.m. at the funeral home with Pastor Michael Lilienthal officiating. Burial will follow in the Borth Cemetery.
As to Helen's wishes, a memorial has been established for Messiah Lutheran Church, Omro.
A special thank you to the staff at Webster Manor for the wonderful care Helen received while she lived there. Helen's family would like to thank Heartland Hospice for the excellent care and support. Thanks to Pastors Michael Lillienthal and Carlton Sielaff for their spiritual support.
If you wish please submit online condolences to muellerfuneralhomeinc.com.