IN LOVING MEMORY OF
Mary
Helm
September 20, 1953 – October 5, 2023
Obituary
Mary Katherine Helm, also known as "Doddy" 70 of Oshkosh, WI, died peacefully on October 5, 2023, while sleeping in the comfort of her own home after a hard-fought three-year battle against Ovarian Cancer.
She was born in Oshkosh, WI September 20, 1953, to the late John and Marion Dodd (Brunck) , who raised their eight children on a large dairy farm west of Oshkosh. Mary graduated from Omro High School and had various factory jobs including Kingsbury and Banner Packaging. She also sold Tupperware for years. Her body forced her out of the workforce on disability but this blessing in disguise offered her more time to spend with those she loved. Mary entered into marriage with James Helm in 1978, divorcing in 1983 and had four children.
Mary was an active member of First English Lutheran Church teaching Sunday school classes in the 80's and in 2012 joined St. John's Lutheran Church of Nekimi devoting her time and energy to the church choir and women's ministry. Her faith in the Lord was inspiring and offered peace and comfort to us all. She spoke of her belief in angels and best believe, if there is a way, she will visit us often.
Everyone who knew Mary knew how much she loved plants and flowers. Her yard was her happy place, full of beauty for all to admire as they passed by. She enjoyed gardening, dancing, singing, sewing, watching old country movies, music in general, long car rides on back roads and helping anyone in need. Mary will always be remembered for her "pickle poop" sandwiches, baking huge oatmeal cookies, popcorn balls and delicious homemade buns which everyone loved. Never failing to put you to work during a visit helping her with whatever mission she was on. She was known for her unique gifts including personalized hand embroidered towels. Mary was a second mom/grandma to many, always having children over to bake, work in the yard, go fishing, head off to a beach or on a road trip that could go anywhere and who knew for how long. Though she loved all these things Mary treasured above all her role as a grandma to her seven grandchildren and told anyone who would listen all about them.
Mary had a soft spot for feathered friends and enjoyed attending bird shows and sharing memories of her rooster Chip Chip, love bird Petey and others. None of that compared to the connection she shared with the family dog Max who is probably loving on her right now in Heaven.
Mary was preceded in death by her parents and brothers: Richard, Gerald and Kenneth Dodd and her sweety Larry Leinweber. She is survived by siblings: Nancy (Dave) Alban, Carol Dodd, Ronald (Joann) Dodd and Sheila (Bill) Neitzel; sister-in-law DeVita Dodd. Her children: Timothy "Moth" Helm, Cristina Kehl, Daniel Helm and Wendy (Travis) Stritzel and grandchildren Trenton Stritzel, Jakob, Liberty and Taylor Helm, Anikan Gould, Zander and Mattea Kehl.
Mary had countless friends throughout her life, many who stood the test of time. She often expressed gratitude and appreciation regarding the blessing of family, neighbors and friends in her life. We will miss her every day. Her memory will live on in the hearts of all those who loved her. Mary was hard-working, stubborn, resilient and never got rid of anything, believing there would be some use for it later. We'll always imagine hearing her say "finish eating that" or "don't waste that" one more time.
Funeral will be on Friday October 13, 2023 at St. John's Lutheran Church 491 Old Oregon Road, Oshkosh, WI 54902. Visitation will be held from 2-4pm , Services at 4pm . Meal and gathering at the same location after service.
There will be a burial at Lake View Memorial Park 2786 Algoma Blvd Oshkosh, WI 54901 in Spring 2024. In true Mary fashion she will be the only Spirit Tree in that entire cemetery.
She was born in Oshkosh, WI September 20, 1953, to the late John and Marion Dodd (Brunck) , who raised their eight children on a large dairy farm west of Oshkosh. Mary graduated from Omro High School and had various factory jobs including Kingsbury and Banner Packaging. She also sold Tupperware for years. Her body forced her out of the workforce on disability but this blessing in disguise offered her more time to spend with those she loved. Mary entered into marriage with James Helm in 1978, divorcing in 1983 and had four children.
Mary was an active member of First English Lutheran Church teaching Sunday school classes in the 80's and in 2012 joined St. John's Lutheran Church of Nekimi devoting her time and energy to the church choir and women's ministry. Her faith in the Lord was inspiring and offered peace and comfort to us all. She spoke of her belief in angels and best believe, if there is a way, she will visit us often.
Everyone who knew Mary knew how much she loved plants and flowers. Her yard was her happy place, full of beauty for all to admire as they passed by. She enjoyed gardening, dancing, singing, sewing, watching old country movies, music in general, long car rides on back roads and helping anyone in need. Mary will always be remembered for her "pickle poop" sandwiches, baking huge oatmeal cookies, popcorn balls and delicious homemade buns which everyone loved. Never failing to put you to work during a visit helping her with whatever mission she was on. She was known for her unique gifts including personalized hand embroidered towels. Mary was a second mom/grandma to many, always having children over to bake, work in the yard, go fishing, head off to a beach or on a road trip that could go anywhere and who knew for how long. Though she loved all these things Mary treasured above all her role as a grandma to her seven grandchildren and told anyone who would listen all about them.
Mary had a soft spot for feathered friends and enjoyed attending bird shows and sharing memories of her rooster Chip Chip, love bird Petey and others. None of that compared to the connection she shared with the family dog Max who is probably loving on her right now in Heaven.
Mary was preceded in death by her parents and brothers: Richard, Gerald and Kenneth Dodd and her sweety Larry Leinweber. She is survived by siblings: Nancy (Dave) Alban, Carol Dodd, Ronald (Joann) Dodd and Sheila (Bill) Neitzel; sister-in-law DeVita Dodd. Her children: Timothy "Moth" Helm, Cristina Kehl, Daniel Helm and Wendy (Travis) Stritzel and grandchildren Trenton Stritzel, Jakob, Liberty and Taylor Helm, Anikan Gould, Zander and Mattea Kehl.
Mary had countless friends throughout her life, many who stood the test of time. She often expressed gratitude and appreciation regarding the blessing of family, neighbors and friends in her life. We will miss her every day. Her memory will live on in the hearts of all those who loved her. Mary was hard-working, stubborn, resilient and never got rid of anything, believing there would be some use for it later. We'll always imagine hearing her say "finish eating that" or "don't waste that" one more time.
Funeral will be on Friday October 13, 2023 at St. John's Lutheran Church 491 Old Oregon Road, Oshkosh, WI 54902. Visitation will be held from 2-4pm , Services at 4pm . Meal and gathering at the same location after service.
There will be a burial at Lake View Memorial Park 2786 Algoma Blvd Oshkosh, WI 54901 in Spring 2024. In true Mary fashion she will be the only Spirit Tree in that entire cemetery.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Mary Helm, please visit our flower store.
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