Rosabelle Helmke

MADISON/MCFARLAND- Rosabelle Gertrude "Rosie" Helmke, age 91, passed away on Tuesday, Nov. 8, 2016. She was born on Nov. 28, 1924, in Buhl, Idaho, the daughter of Stanley and Gertrude Tvrdy. Although Rosie and her sister, Norma's mother passed away when they were very young, they had a happy childhood with their Aunt Mary and Uncle Anton Machacek. Rosie met and married Elver "Al" Helmke in Las Vegas on Feb. 4, 1945. At the close of World War II, they moved to Madison, with their first child, Jim. Later, they settled in McFarland, and Mary was born. While Jim and Mary were in school, Rosie was a den mother, member of the PTA, a member of Sarah Circle with the McFarland Lutheran Church, and she drove school bus. When Gimbels in Madison first opened, Rosie worked as a jewelry salesperson for several years. Rosie and Mary had always wanted horses and finally wore Al down. Over a couple of years, they had accumulated enough horses that Al decided to buy a farm where they moved in 1970. In addition to the horses, she and Al had numerous hobbies, including getting their pilot's licenses, herds of cats, dogs, random farm animals, and lots of friends and young people. Rosie touched everyone's life in a positive way. Her smile lit up a room and her laugh brightened everyone's day. Rosie's family and friends joke she was like Snow White, animals and children came running at the sound of her voice. Thank you to everyone who touched Rosie's life. Rosie is survived by her children, James Helmke and Mary Helmke; grandchildren, Jennifer (Brian) Frank and Sarah (Jason) Zabinski; great-grandchildren, Benjamin and Tyler Roberts; sister, Carlene Humphries; nieces, Pat (Bob Franz) Van and Beth (Dave) Clemen ; sister-in-law, Joan (Jim) Horsfall; cousin, Audrey (Helmke) Endres; and numerous other cousins, "adopted" children, and oodles of others everywhere. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband Al; sister, Norma Van (Moe Burden); nephew, Chuck Van; and in-laws, Virginia and Alan Krische. There will be a Celebration of Rose's life at MAPLE TREE SUPPER CLUB, 6010 U.S. Hwy 51, McFarland, from 2 p.m. until 5 p.m., on Sunday, Nov. 20, 2016. This is a celebration, so bring your instruments and singing voices. The plan is to have plenty of the acoustic music she loved, with the people she loved! There will be light appetizers served. There is handicapped access available and plenty of parking onsite. Our deepest thanks to the kind staff at UW Health - Yahara Clinic for their care of Rosie for so many years. Also, thank you to the staff at Agrace HospiceCare, no words can possibly convey our gratitude for the kindness, gentility, humor and understanding shown to Rosie, our loved one, and to us during the most difficult time of our lives.  Gunderson East Funeral & Cremation Care 5203 Monona Drive (608)221-5420