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Helen L. Vorwald

July 25, 1926 - August 7, 2021
Racine, WI

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Visitation

Thursday, August 12, 2021
10:00 AM to 11:00 AM CDT
Maresh-Meredith & Acklam Funeral Home
Racine Location
803 Main St.
Racine, WI 53403
(262) 634-7888
Driving Directions

Service

Thursday, August 12, 2021
11:00 AM CDT
Live Stream
Maresh-Meredith & Acklam Funeral Home
Racine Location
803 Main St.
Racine, WI 53403
(262) 634-7888
Driving Directions

Life Story / Obituary


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When reflecting on the life of Helen Vorwald, it is easy to see both her unwavering strength and unconditional love for her family. She truly understood the value of hard work, and she gave everything she did her all. Helen treasured her loved ones above all else, and she continually worked to serve those around her in ways both great and small. She was a shining example of kindness and responsibility, and her caring spirit touched the lives of countless others. Deeply loved, Helen will be forever missed.

It was great to be an American during the decade that we commonly recall as the Roaring Twenties. Ballroom dancing and jazz music were among the latest trends, and prosperity was largely felt nationwide. Cars were more affordable thanks to the assembly line, and the world of flight soared to new heights thanks to the determination of Charles Lindbergh and Amelia Earhart. It was also during this time that Walter and Sylvia (Berndt) Day were eagerly awaiting the birth of their new baby as the heat of the summer held the city of Lancaster, Wisconsin, firmly in its grip. Their wait was finally over when the baby girl they named Helen drew her first breath on July 25, 1926.

Growing up, Helen was a typical young girl of her generation in many ways. She was raised in the family home as the only child of her parents. Helen began working on the family farm at a young age, forming the strong work ethic that would serve her well for her whole life. Manual labor was a very big part of her childhood. Helen loaded hay bales onto the truck and wagon and then drove a tractor in order to transport the hay into the barn. She later drove horses for a cultivator on the fields to cover up the oat and corn fields with dirt. As there was no electricity, Helen would often curl up behind the big iron stove in the kitchen to keep warm and sleep with a hot iron wrapped in clothes at night. The family also did not have running water. Helen loved fishing with her parents as well as attending church every Sunday. Her faith was important to her from a young age.

Throughout her childhood, Helen attended local schools in Lancaster. She strove to succeed, and her education helped her learn the importance of hard work and determination. Helen graduated from Lancaster High School in 1944, ready to move on to bigger and better things.

New and exciting changes were on the horizon for Helen as she met the love of her life. His name was Raymond Vorwald, and it didn’t take the two long to realize that they were made for each other. With a desire to spend the rest of their lives together, Helen and Raymond were married on June 17, 1946, at St. Clement’s Catholic Church in Lancaster. Throughout their marriage, they welcomed 11 beloved children including Susan, Luann, Nancy, Jerome, James, Thomas, Michael, Charles, Steven, Douglas, and Timothy. The Vorwalds lived on the family farm in Bloomington for a time, and they later moved to Racine in 1965. Helen chose to remain close to her family as a homemaker, dedicating herself to raising her children.

Of all the things Helen loved in life, she treasured her loved ones above all else. Nothing brought her greater joy than spending time with her family and friends. She was thrilled to become a grandmother and even a great-grandmother later in life, and she considered herself blessed to be surrounded by so many loved ones. Helen cherished every moment with her family, and she enjoyed watching her children raise children of their own. She faithfully attended every musical or game she could, and she was always so proud of their accomplishments. It was the love of her family that sustained Helen when she lost her beloved husband on July 1, 1993.

In her free time, Helen enjoyed pursuing many hobbies to stay busy. She loved spending time in the kitchen, cooking up a delicious dessert or meal for her family. Helen also liked eating out at restaurants such as Red Lobster. She enjoyed traveling and visited over eight European countries, Hawaii, and the Catalina Islands. Helen was a big fan of the Broncos and of John Elway. Helen enjoyed having all of her children at her 75th birthday party and always remained in touch with her children through the phone or online.

As family and friends can attest, Helen Vorwald truly understood the secret to a life well lived. She never took anything for granted, and she was always thankful for even the smallest blessings. Helen was a constant source of strength, even in the most difficult of times. She had a big heart, and she was always willing to help those in need. Though she will be deeply missed, Helen leaves behind a priceless legacy that her loved ones will proudly carry on in her footsteps.

Surrounded by her family, Helen L. Vorwald, age 95, passed away peacefully at home Saturday, August 7, 2021. Helen’s family includes her children; three daughters, Susan Bassette, Luann Stintzi, and Nancy (Robert) Wemmert; seven sons, Jerome Vorwald, Thomas Vorwald, Michael (Chris) Vorwald, Charles (Barbara) Vorwald, Steven (Roy) Vorwald, Douglas (Dawn) Vorwald, and Timothy (Cheryl) Vorwald. Mrs. Vorwald is also survived by 23 grandchildren and 25 great grandchildren and 2 great-great grandchildren. Helen was preceded in death by her husband, parents, son, James, daughters-in-law, Madeliene Vorwald and Darlene Vorwald and grandson, Robert Bassette.

A funeral service celebrating Helen’s life will be held Thursday, August 12, 2021, 11:00 a.m. at the funeral home. Relatives and friends may meet Thursday 10:00 a.m. until time of service at the funeral home. Interment will be held at Hillside Cemetery, Lancaster, WI.

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