Helen Ziehr

Helen R. Ziehr, formerly of Fredonia, died of complications of a stroke on Thursday, Sept. 12, at New Perspective Senior Living in West Bend. She was 95.

Mrs. Ziehr was born in Port Washington on Nov. 15, 1923, to John “Jack” and Rosalie Hiltgen Paulus. She grew up in Fredonia on the family farm.

She enjoyed roller-skating at her uncle and aunt’s dance hall, Hiltgen’s Tap in Fredonia, where she met her future husband.  

Mrs. Ziehr played piano and enjoyed listening to her father sing. She was a fan of old country music and her favorite tune was “Let Me Call You Sweetheart.”

In 1945, she graduated from Miseracordia School of Nursing in Milwaukee. During her career, she worked as a hospital nurse and later as a clinical nurse.

On Aug. 4, 1945, she married Donald Ziehr at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church in Fredonia. The couple moved to Milwaukee, where they built their first house.  

When they felt Milwaukee was “too crowded,” they built a house in Menomonee Falls. After their children left home, they built another house in West Bend.

Mrs. Ziehr enjoyed sewing and knitting clothes for her children, grandchildren and their dolls, canning produce, playing bridge and making quilts. She also always enjoyed going to the theater, especially musicals with her husband.

Mrs. Ziehr is survived by her children Richard (Joan) of Madison, Patricia (Patrick) Niles of Grafton and Frances Vandre of Watertown; 10 grandchildren; and 18 great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, son Michael John and son-in-law Michael Vandre.

A Mass of Christian burial was held Monday, Sept. 16, at St. Frances Cabrini Catholic Church in West Bend.

Father Don Zerkel officiated.

Interment was at St. Rose of Lima Cemetery in Fredonia.

Memorials to Season’s Hospice or a charity of the donor’s choice are suggested.

Poole Funeral Home, Port Washington, handled the arrangements.