Stoughton - Doris June “Dodie” (Sveum) Helmke was born June 1, 1929, to Oscar and Mabel (Olson) Sveum in Stoughton, Wis. She grew up on the family farm south of Stoughton with her close-knit siblings. Hard work, good food, and a loving family rooted a life committed to those around her. Though she did it, Doris was never a fan of piling tobacco, preferring to be in the kitchen with her mother or sneaking away to read a book whenever she could.

From day one her best friend was twin sister, Doreen (Deanie). Through high school they dressed in identical clothes made by their mother. They talked nearly every day and even lived across backyards for a time. Both Dodie and Deanie were fun-loving, yet strong willed, especially when it came to arguing over who would pick up the check after a dinner out.

Doris graduated from Stoughton High School in 1947 and attended State Teachers College in Milwaukee. That began a decades long career she loved, teaching 5th or 6th grade in the Stoughton School District and sometimes an extra day at Sunday School at First Lutheran Church.

On June 19, 1953, Doris married classmate Donald “Don” Helmke and together they raised three children, Susan, Jane and Karl. Family and community were the heart of their partnership for 66 years and in 1984, they were named Syttende Mai King and Queen. Doris was an active volunteer with the hospital, library, and many clubs. Doris often opened their home for gatherings, including holidays and a card club with good friends that lasted nearly 60 years. She will be remembered for her bright eyes and warm smile that welcomed everyone, followed immediately by an offer of a bite to eat.

Doris died peacefully at home Oct. 27, 2023. She was preceded in death by her husband; parents; and siblings and their spouses, Arthur (Irene), Ogden (Coryl), Lynn (Geraldine), Avis (Norman) Style and Deanie Karlslyst; mother-in-law, Mable (Olsen) Helmke; in-laws and their spouses, Eileen (Hank) Godleski, Merlin “Bud” (Gertrude) Helmke and Grace and Doris (Ruffin) Staffrude.

She is survived by her children, Susan, Karl and Jane (Teresa Sterns) Helmke; grandchildren, Keegan and Grace Helmke; and many nieces and nephews and grandnieces and grandnephews whom she loved very much.

A memorial service will be held at First Lutheran Church, 310 E. Washington St., Stoughton, at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Nov. 11, 2023, with the Rev. Dick Halom presiding. Burial will be held at Lutheran South Cemetery. Visitation will be held at the church from 10 a.m. until 11 a.m. on Saturday.

The family wishes to thank Agrace HospiceCare for their exceptional care. In lieu of flowers, consider a memorial to the charity of your choice.

Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.

Gunderson Stoughton

Funeral & Cremation Care

1358 Highway 51 N. at Jackson St.

(608) 873-4590

Doris June Helmke

June 01, 1929 - October 27, 2023

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