Helen Mary Niesen
August 11, 1916 - June 07, 2014
Obituary
Helen M. Niesen, age 97 of Madison, died peacefully on Saturday, June 7, 2014, at her home. She was born on August 11, 1916, in Dane, the daughter of the late Tom and Katherine (Barbian) Werla. She was united in marriage to Ray Niesen on May 5, 1936, and they were happily married for 60 years. During her long life as a homemaker, she enjoyed raising her 7 children, working at church functions, gardening, cooking and baking, playing cards, watching sports on TV especially the Badgers, Packers, and Brewers. Helen was an avid quilter and took great pride in being able to supply 100’s of quilts for charitable organizations through her church. She worked on them daily and had a stack ready for the Holly to pick up on her next visit.
Helen is survived by her children, Ken (Joyce), of Middleton, Beatrice Pongratz of Scottsdale, Ariz., Arlene (Bob) Reisdorf of Middleton, Art (Sandi) of El Cajon, Calif., Dick (Sue) of Middleton, Sandy (Vito) Cerniglia of Madison, and Tom (Donna) of Waunakee; 20 grandchildren; 22 great- grandchildren; a brother, Urban (Margaret) Werla; sister-in-law, Donna Werla; several nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews and many friends. She was preceded in death by her sisters, Olive Adler, Sister Antoninous, and Catherine Werla; brothers, Tom and Herb; son-in-law, Ray Pongratz; grandchildren, Bob Pongratz, Wendy and Dave Workman; and grandson-in-law, Tom Drog.
A Mass of Resurrection will be held at ST. THOMAS AQUINAS CATHOLIC CHURCH, 602 Everglade Dr., Madison at 11 A.M. on Wednesday, June 11, 2014, with Father Bart Timmerman presiding. Friends may call from 9 A.M. until 10:45 A.M. on Wednesday at the church. Burial will follow at Sunset Memory Gardens. The family would like to thank Mom’s relatives, neighbors, friends and the St. Thomas staff for enriching her life all of these years.
In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church or to the Middleton Senior Center.
Mom, You are and have always been our Guiding Light and have shown us the way for many years. Our lives have been shaped by the influence of your experiences. Our memories are many and will carry us thru until we are all welcomed again by you and dad into your everlasting family. We love you will all our hearts and will miss going home, but your work is done. Sleep well.
Gunderson West Funeral and Cremation Care
7435 University Ave.
Middleton, WI
(608) 831-6761
Events
Service
Wed Jun 11, 2014 @ 11:00 AM CDT
St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church (Madison) • 602 Everglade Drive, Madison, WI 53717
Photos
No photos of Helen have been shared yet.
Memories
NW
Nancy Wilmot
Other •
We are truly honored and feel so blessed to know this outstanding Mom, Grandmother, and Great-Grandmother. I have never met such a warm and beautiful person inside and out. She is truly an angel. I feel so very honored that my daughter and I are both recipients of a warm and loving quilt that was made by the hands of Mrs. Niesen. Our loving thoughts and prayers are with your family as you celebrate the life of Mrs. Niesen. May your memories of her remain in your hearts forever and ever. God Bless You that he chose all of you to be in her family . Sending our love to you! Nancy and Shannon Wilmot, (Donna's sister). Adam Stein, Travis Stein and Shannon Barefoot and their families.
PP
pat Pertzborn
Other •
We are thinking of you at this time. Our sympathy to your family. So many memories of your mother growing up. Riding horses on her lawn, laughs with her when stopping by for Art to do fun activities. Visits with her whenever she was in our area! Just such a special lady and we will pray for her. And your family. Pat & Ed Pertzborn
J
Jerric
Other •
What we have once enjoyed, we can never lose. All that we love deeply becomes part of us."
I had the pleasure of meeting this amazing woman on several special occasions. And each time I got to see what a warm and kind hearted person she was. I also got to see the amazing family she raised and surrounded herself with. And that she was truly loved by her family and friends. My Deepest sympathies go out to family and friends.
From Jerric Williamson
SB
Susan Bruchman
Other •
To Janeen and family.....My sympathy to you and your family. Remember you are so blessed to have had a wonderful Grandmother in your life for all of these years. My thoughts and prayers are with you during this time. God Bless and give you comfort! Regards, Sue Bruchman and family
SD
Sandi Drescher
Other •
Arlene and family you have my sympathy for the loss of this lovely lady. So sorry. Sandi Smith Drescher