Helen Elaine Oechler, 95, of Kenosha, passed away on Saturday, June 3, 2023, at Froedtert Hospital in Wauwatosa. Born in Kenosha, on January 18, 1928, she was the daughter of the late Charles and Helen (Guttormsen) Schmidt. She lived in Gardena, CA from ages 14-21, graduating from Gardena High School. On a visit back to Kenosha, she met the love of her life, Norman A. Oechler. They had their first date at a church service and were married at Trinity Lutheran Church on July 29, 1950. They were long-time members. She participated in their WELCA women’s group and served as a church teller. Helen worked for First National Bank/Chase and was the first female teller for them, of which she was very proud. She retired in 1990. Helen was a soup kitchen volunteer at the Shalom Center, bowled in leagues throughout the years, was interested in genealogy, and enjoyed going to breakfast on Tuesday mornings with “the bank ladies”. Survivors include two daughters: Dru H. (Michael) Spitzer and Gay N. (Daniel) Voelz; four granddaughters: Megan Spitzer, Erin Spitzer, Noelle (Jason) Bugalecki, and Daena (Alex) Grycowski; two great-granddaughters: Anya Noelle Bugalecki and Norah Elaine Grycowski; and her Pomeranian: D.C. She is further survived by beloved relatives and friends. Aside from her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband: Norman Oechler on January 1, 2008; and by three siblings: Gladys Hoff, Charles Schmidt, and Melbourne Schmidt. Visitation will take place on Sunday, June 11, 2023, at Proko Funeral Home from 4:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. Visitation will continue on Monday, June 12, 2023, at Trinity Lutheran Church, 7104 39th Avenue, from 9:30 a.m. until the time of service at 10:00 a.m. Interment will follow at Sunset Ridge Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations made to Trinity Lutheran Church would be appreciated by the family.Proko Funeral Home & Crematory5111-60th StreetKenosha, WI 53144Phone: (262) 654-3533Visit & Sign Helen’sOnline Memorial Book at:www.prokofuneralhome.com
Condolences
Barbara Jarvis
June 16, 2023
Dru and Gay, this is Barbara Jarvis, Doris Krogh's daughter. I am so sorry to hear of Helen's passing. I was just writing a card to Helen as I didn't hear back from her when I called and left a message about my mom's cemetery service in Kenosha. I don't know what made me do it, but I checked the obituaries and sadly confirmed what had happen. I wish I would have known sooner. These two women were friends and life and it seems in death also. Mom's service at Sunset Ridge was on Sat. June 10th. She was interned on Monday the 12 th at about 9:45 and I see Helen's was at around 11:30. We were actually probably still at the cemetery then as we were cleaning up Mom and Dad's site as well as other relatives and leaving flowers on our relatives from mom's funeral. Please know I would have been there if I had known. I'm so sorry for your loss. She was such a special lady with a wonderful sense of humor. I will miss her, but now those two can get up to their shinanigans again in heaven.
Debbie Bauer
June 14, 2023
Helen was a incredible woman. As her dental hygienist for many years, she always shard a clean funny joke after her appointment. I marveled at her consistent love of her family. Helen was the only one I ever knew that wrote her grandchildren every week. She loved 4th of July up north with family and all the family's dogs including her dog being very nervous during fireworks. I know she missed her husband Norman greatly, now I am sure she telling his all her funny jokes. I have memorial book, if possible, I would love if I could attach a photo of Helen and Norman. Debbie Bauer
Kathleen Neururer
June 13, 2023
We live in the same neighborhood that Helen lived in and only a few years ago got to know her when she was out walking her dog. Was always such a delight to see her out getting her daily walk with her close friend - the pomeranian. We along with the whole neighborhood will miss seeing Helen out every day. Condolences to the family.
Kathy Agnew
June 9, 2023
Although I have only been a member of the Bank Ladies Tuesday Breakfast group for several years now, I always enjoyed Helen’s stories, and admired her incredible memory, sense of humor, and spunk. She was an inspiration to us all. Condolences to her family, and may she rest in peace.Kathy Morrill Agnew
Kimberly Stanley
June 8, 2023
I worked with Helen from 1980 until her retirement. She sat at her desk and greeted every customer as they came in the door. Helen was always there for all of her co workers and we loved her as well. She was great at her job, opening up accounts and taking care of the safety deposit boxes. Always treated customers as if they were her friend. Going to miss her smile.
Joan HUBER
June 7, 2023
I’ll miss our talks on the patio about anything and everything. Your wonderful baked goods. Helping you with daily tasks. Opening Jars and fixing the curling iron, getting stamps for your daily mailing of birthday cards. You are an angel. I’ll miss you .