Virgiline Helmer

Virgiline I. Helmer, 85, formerly of Oostburg, died Monday, July 11, 2011 at St. Francis Nursing Home in Fond du Lac. She passed away quickly, unexpectedly and peaceably with her daughter Arlinda comforting her in her final moments. Virgiline was born September 29, 1925 in Brownville, New York to Francis and Margaret (White) Scott. She grew up and attended school there, meeting her future husband and love of her life in fifth grade. Virgiline graduated from Brownville-Glen Park High School with the class of 1942. Virgiline married Harold "Harry" Helmer on October 23, 1943 in a ceremony at the home of her parents. She also graduated from Rochester Business College the same year and was employed at Dillingham Furniture Office as a secretary. Virgie and Harry moved to Oostburg, WI in 1949, choosing to raise a family, living there until moving to St. Francis Home in 2008. Harold passed away there May 28, 2009. She missed him terribly and is finally reunited for eternity. Virgiline was a member of the First Presbyterian Church in Oostburg, where she was an involved member of the Women's Circle. She was also an active volunteer for Meals on Wheels. She enjoyed bowling, cooking, bird watching, cards, puzzles, playing the piano, watching sports and game shows. Virgie's favorite hobby was always her family. She had a passion for attending each and every event her children and grandchildren were involved in. Under her watchful eye, all received large unconditional doses of caring and nurturing. Virgiline lived the simple values she passed on to her children: Work hard, Love Your Family, Get a Good Education, Expect Much Of And Believe In Yourself, Do The Right Thing, Be An Individual and Make Up Your Own Mind, Have a Compassionate and Helping Heart, Respect Differences, Accept Adversity as a Challenge. She taught by example that the True Meaning of Life is to Have a Meaningful Life. Virgie was the unquestionable heart and soul of an ever growing family. Because of her high expectations and unwavering support, all of her children went on to higher education and entered service oriented professions. They learned you were never poor and always rich if you had the love, care and support of a strong family. Virgie experienced near total deafness due to illness around age 25. She never complained and inspired all who knew her to make the best of whatever they had. Virgiline was one of the oldest recipients of a cochlear implant at age 70. She became one of the most successful patients up to that time, regaining an incredible amount of hearing due to her tenacity and diligence. That was no surprise to anyone who knew her. Virgiline is survived by her four children, Val (Bonnie) Helmer, Oostburg; Arlinda (David) Sorens, Fond du Lac; Scott (Gale Shore) Helmer, Muskego; and Carol (Don) Erdmann, Algoma. She is further survived by 8 grandchildren; Brett (Heidi) Helmer, Oostburg; Derek (Julie) Helmer, Madison; Kari (Mark) Migacz, Sheboygan Falls; Ross (Abbie Warpinski) Sorens, Fond du Lac; Justin (Ali) Helmer, Muskego; Mitchell Helmer, Muskego; Emily Erdmann, Algoma; and Parker Erdmann, Algoma. Virgiline is also survived by 8 great grandchildren; Kasey, Quinn, and Caden Helmer of Oostburg; Andrew and Erika Migacz of Sheboygan Falls; Layla, Jack, and Julia Helmer of Muskego. Virgie is survived additionally by her sister, Carolyn Brenon, Sheboygan; and her four children, whom she always thought of and treated as her own; Michelle (Robert) Lytle, Golden, CO; Connie (Paul) Bamberger, Grafton; Dale (Irene) Brenon, Overland Park, KS; and Peggy Brenon, Denver, CO. She also considered Jessie Bamberger, Shorewood; and Nicole Ellis, Phoenix, AZ as extra grandchildren. Jessie's daughter, Nora Gilham, was additionally loved as an extra grandchild. She also "adopted" Italian foreign exchange student Sergio Valletti of Milan as a very special grandson, along with his wife and their new daughter, Lucilla. Virgiline was preceded in death by her parents; her step mother, Leah Houghton Scott; infant daughter, Teresa Margaret Helmer; and one brother, Ronald Scott. Funeral services to celebrate Virgiline's life will be held at 7:00 pm on Friday, July 15, 2011 at First Presbyterian Church in Oostburg with Rev. Brian Jacobson officiating. Entombment of cremains will be at Sunrise Memorial Gardens Mausoleum at a later date. Relatives and friends may call from 4:00 pm until the time of the services Friday at the church. In lieu of flowers, a Memorial Fund at St. Francis Home has been set up in Virgiline's name. Contributions can be made to St. Francis Home Employee Appreciation Fund, 33 Everett Street, Fond du Lac, WI 54935. The children of Virgie Helmer would like to thank the many special angels at St. Francis Home for the extraordinary level of skilled and loving care she received there. The unique place she held in so many of their hearts was sincerely appreciated. For online condolences and additional information please visit www.wenigfuneralhome.com. The staff of the Wenig Funeral Home of Oostburg (920-564-2771) is assisting the Helmer family.Reception:First Presbyterian Church118 S. 8th StreetOostburg, WI 53070

Visitation

Friday, July 15, 2011 4:00 PM - 7:00 PM
First Presbyterian Church
118 S. 8th Street Oostburg 53070, United States

Service

Friday, July 15, 2011 7:00 PM
First Presbyterian Church
118 S. 8th Street Oostburg 53070, United States