NEW ULM–Helen Rose Schreyer, 95, of New Ulm passed away peacefully at Azura Memory Care of Wausau, WI, surrounded by her family and caregivers on November 17, 2023.

Mass of Christian burial will be 11 a.m .on Saturday, December 9, 2023, at the Cathedral of the Holy Trinity in New Ulm. Burial will follow in the New Ulm Catholic Cemetery.The visitation will be held from 9:30-11:00 a.m. on Saturday, December 9th at the Cathedral prior to the Mass. The Minnesota Valley Funeral Homes of New Ulm are assisting the family with arrangements at this time. To leave an online condolence for her family, or to sign the guestbook, go to: mvfh.org

Helen was born on May 8, 1928, to Joseph and Rose (Thieleke) Bernholtz in Carroll, Iowa. Helen graduated at 17 from Carroll High School in 1945, waiting a year to use her excellent typing and shorthand skills at a job in Des Moines, Iowa. In 1948, Joe and Rose purchased a farm outside New Ulm, MN and Helen joined them. While Helen took great satisfaction in her working career, she was delighted to have lived during the nightly live dance bands era where she met Denis Schreyer. They were united in marriage on July 9, 1955, at the Cathedral of the Holy Trinity and began their married life in Spencer, WI. There were subsequent moves in both WI and MN. Along the way, they were blessed with two children, Mike and Linda. After Denis’ unexpected death in 1966, Helen leaned on her faith, focused on loving her children and moved back to New Ulm.

Helen worked at several businesses in New Ulm, culminating her successful worklife at Travel Fun Tours. She relished helping others discover the joys of travel, taking tours to many US states, Canada, Europe and Mexico. She retired at 81.

Outside of work, Helen focused her industrious spirit on maintaining flower and vegetable gardens, feeding the birds and baking avidly for loved ones and church fundraisers. She was active in many committees at church and Habitat for Humanity. Helen never let gender roles define what she could do be it drafting the plans and contracting the construction of her home adjacent to the family farm, changing oil in her car or sawing wood. She chose to do it all wearing a skirt. Helen enjoyed writing letters to her granddaughters, encouraging them to take on “life’s big world.” A devout Catholic, Helen counted many blessings from God, including her family, excellent health into her 90s and dear friends, especially her sheephead friends who were like family. Her determination, fierce independence, infectious laugh and braided sweet roll will be greatly missed.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, a brother, Norman Bernholtz, and his wife, Dana, and many dear friends. She is survived by her children, Mike (Laurie) Schreyer and Linda (Tim) Willgohs, grandchildren, Alison Schreyer, Rachel Schreyer, Laura (Andy) Zelazoski, Andrea (Nick) Willgohs Mertes, Maggie (Wes) Duberstein, and her great grandchildren, Jackson, Colby, Merritt, and Valerie. Special thanks to her caregivers at Villages of Lonsdale and Azura Memory Care of Wausau. Memorials preferred to Habitat for Humanity, Alzheimer’s Association or Cathedral of Holy Trinity or donor’s choice.

Please share any memories of Helen at helenstories2023@gmail.com.

Mvfh.org

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