Helen Rohde

Helen Jeanette Rohde, 84, an angel on this earth, entered her new duties as an angel in heaven with her family by her side April 15, 2023, at Woodland Hills in Hudson.

Helen was born Aug. 29, 1938, in Ashland, to Robert and Minnette (Thompson) Stewart. She graduated from Greenwood High School in 1957, where she was a leader in cheerleading, music, band, plays and many other high school activities. She attended UW-Stevens Point and then nurse’s training in Marshfield. She was married to Gary Rohde on June 18, 1960, and soon after resided in Colby. She also lived in Madison, but spent the majority of her life residing in River Falls.

Helen was preceded in death by her parents and siblings: Minnette (Stewart) Jepson, Robert Stewart, Glen Stewart, Keith Stewart, Duane Stewart, Marylou (Stewart) Decker and Lloyd Stewart; and father- and mother-in-law, Gilbert and Lucille Rohde.

Helen is survived by her sons, Dean (Laurie), Doug (Pam) and Steve (Crystal); her grandchildren: Jackson (Ali), Mason, Kaitlyn, Madison, Maxx and Whitney; and and her great-grandchildren: Tenley and Wade; and many other family members.

Helen’s full-time job was a homemaker, which she excelled at in every way. As her children were older and in school, she spent time working as a substitute teacher, librarian, dental assistant and managed multi-family housing that she and Gary owned.

She was widely known as a lady full of energy, that would provide most of her free time to civic and public organizations. She was very involved in Music Madams, PEO Hospital Auxiliary, Meals on Wheels, and several church groups and activities. She was very musically talented with the voice of an angel and enjoyed many years singing for the church choir.

Gary and Helen’s lake home in northwest Wisconsin was purchased in 1970. This was the base camp for family resort activities on the lake with their children. More weekends than not were spent at the lake, where she truly enjoyed doting over her family and friends, another activity she loved and very much excelled at. She was the ultimate hostess and took great pleasure in serving others. The most important aspect of her life was her family and sharing in their many activities. Her smile and gracious attitude were known far and wide. Helen made everyone she met feel special.

Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, April 26, 2023, at Spirit of Grace Methodist Church in River Falls. Visitation will begin at 10:30 a.m. and the funeral will be held at 12 p.m., with a luncheon to follow the service. The visitation, funeral, and luncheon will all take place at the church located at 127 S 2nd St., River Falls. Interment will be at Greenwood Cemetery, River Falls, at a later date.

Arrangements are being handled by O’Connell Funeral Home in Hudson. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to Lakeview Hospice, Stillwater, or Spirit of Grace Methodist Church in River Falls.

PAID OBITUARY 135236