Helen G.

Helms

Helen G. Helms, 85, Watertown, formerly of Lake Mills, died on Friday, February 3, 2017 at Riverview Assisted Living in Watertown with family by her side.

She was born on August 25, 1931 in Madison, the daughter of the late Claire and Iva (Purcell) Payne.

She was a graduate of Madison East High School.

Helen married William "Bill" Helms on March 20, 1952 in San Francisco, CA. He died on January 19, 2011.

Bill and Helen owned and operated "Bill and Helen's" in Lake Mills for several years.

She was a member of St. Paul Ev. Lutheran Church in Lake Mills, Lake Mills American Legion Post #67 Auxiliary, and Wisconsin Bowling Association where she had been a representative for 22 different state conventions.

She was a bowling enthusiast and had been a youth bowling coach for Lake Lanes.

Helen was an avid sports fan and played softball until she was 60 years old.

She loved spending time with Bill and friends while visiting their cabin, especially fishing and playing euchre.

She was happiest while spending time with family and friends.

Survivors include their children, Rhonda (Conrad) Key of Pound, Sandra (Graham) Stolpa of Cambridge, Carol (John) O'Brien of Lake Mills, Donna Helms of Cambridge; six grandchildren, Craig Key, Tyler (Matthew) Bukachek, Rosetta Jackson, Chanell (Que Grubbs) Jackson, Courtney Jackson and Matthew Helms; six great-grandchildren, Levi and Lorelei Key, Rylan and Bensyn Bukachek, Tasia and Jalen Jackson; four sisters, Lizzie Weger, Norma Schultz, and Barbara Haefner; other relatives and friends.

Also preceded in death by four brothers, Roy Payne, Leo Jones, Melvin Payne, Lyle Payne and two sisters, Joyce Bassett and Beverly Mack.

Memorial services will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, February 10, 2017 at the St. Paul Ev. Lutheran Church in Lake Mills.

Friends may call after 10 a.m. on Friday at the church until the time of service.

Burial will be in St. Paul's Ev. Lutheran Cemetery at a later date.

If desired, memorials may be made to the family.

Special thanks and appreciation to her special friends, Paula Kaulback and Kim Holterman, Brian (Jerry) Aarstad, Sheryl Schroeder and staff at Riverview and Rainbow Hospice.

We are happy knowing Mom and Dad are holding hands and dancing in Heaven.

www.claussenfuneralhome.com