Helen R. Sanem

Helen R. Sanem passed away peacefully in her sleep on Thursday, Dec. 18, 2025. She was 97 years old. 

Helen was born in Fredonia, Wis., on Jan. 16, 1928, to parents Mathias and Veronica (nee Gasper) Kirst. 

She was united in marriage with Leroy Sanem on Oct. 2, 1948, at St. Rose of Lima Church in Fredonia. Together they lived on a family farm in Dacada and later moved to their new home in Port Washington. 

Helen worked at numerous retail stores and Ozaukee Press. 

She was a devoted member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Port Washington. Helen would pray the rosary every day.  

Helen spent the majority of her free time doing crafts such as painting, crocheting, knitting and beadwork. She loved baking and never left her family empty handed with her homemade cookies. Above all, Helen enjoyed spending time with her family and friends. 

Helen is survived by her daughter Rosemary (Mark) Lipscomb, grandchildren Christine (Mark) Clasen and Laurie Blount, great-grandchildren Nicole (Michael) Raasch and Jeffery (Miranda) Froehlich and great-great-grandchildren Callie Raasch, Hudson and Scarlett Froehlich and Layla Blount. She is further survived by her brother Robert (Mary Jane) Kirst, nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. 

Helen was preceded in death by her parents, husband Leroy, son James Sanem, great-great-grandson Jordan Blount and her brothers Joseph (Hazel) Kirst, George (Rita) Kirst, Eugene (Theresa) Kirst and sister Marie (Vernon) Fay. 

A Mass of Christan Burial will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 17, 2026, at St. John XXIII Catholic Parish, St. Mary’s Church, 451 Johnson St., Port Washington, Wis. The family will greet guests from 9 a.m. until the Mass at 11 a.m. 

Helen will be laid to rest next to her husband at St. Mary’s Cemetery in Port Washington. 

The family extends a special thanks to the Three North West staff at the Lutheran Home in Wauwatosa, Wis., and to the staff at St. Croix Hospice for their care and compassion. 

Eernisse Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements. 

Online condolences may be left at www.eernissefuneralhome.com.