Helen I. Meyer

Helen Irene Meyer, daughter of Professor Erwin and Irene (Zarling) Scharf was born in Rhinelander, WI, on December 11, 1945. She was the third of four children born to Erwin and Irene. Helen was received into God’s family by the washing of Holy Baptism on December 23, 1945, at Zion Ev. Lutheran Church, Rhinelander, WI, by her father. Helen was confirmed in her Christian faith on Palm Sunday, April 10, 1960, at St. Mark’s Ev. Lutheran Church of Watertown, WI, by Pastor James Fricke. Grades 1-8 (1952 -1960) were attended at St. Mark’s Lutheran School in Watertown. Grades 9-12 (1960-1964) were on the Northwestern College campus in Watertown. Helen attended college (1964-1968) at Dr. Martin Luther College in New Ulm, MN. Upon her graduation, she was assigned to teach fourth grade at St. John’s Lutheran School in Westland, MI. Helen was united in marriage July 7, 1968, with Henry J. Meyer in the chapel at Northwestern College by the groom’s father, Pastor Henry G. Meyer. Their marriage was blessed with five children: Amy, Stephen, Sarah, David, and Rachel. From Westland, the family moved to St. John’s, Antigua, where Henry followed the Call to open the school at St. John’s Ev. Lutheran Church. From Antigua, Henry accepted the Call as Principal and teacher at Salem Ev. Lutheran Church in Owosso, MI. The family then moved to Milwaukee, WI, where Henry served as principal and teacher for all but two of his thirty-six years at St. John’s Ev. Lutheran Church and School. Helen was very active in church work by serving as organist for many years in several congregations, choir director, elementary school teacher for five years, leader of women’s Bible studies, and in many volunteer capacities. She also served as a piano instructor in various parochial schools in the Milwaukee area for twenty-five years, having as many as sixty to seventy piano students per year. When Henry retired in June of 2016, Helen and Henry moved to Fond du Lac, WI, where they became members of Redeemer Ev. Lutheran Church. On the morning of August 29, the Lord called Helen home to her eternal rest. She has been removed from the sorrows and struggles of this world. The glorious chorus of saints and angels has one more to proclaim the praises of the Lamb sitting at the center of heaven’s throne. Helen is survived by her husband, five children, and twenty grandchildren: Amy (Kyle) Raymond, Emily, Caleb, Kaylee, and Natalie of Puyallup, WA; Stephen (Erika) Meyer, Noah, Eliana, Seth, Joselyn, Ethan, Isaiah, and Sophia of Rochester, MN; Sarah (Jesse) Zahrt, Ziva, and Siri of New Ulm, MN; David (Anna) Meyer, Jonas, Catalina, and Wesley of South Milwaukee, WI; and Rachel (Ryan) Sommer, Anita, Mabel, Fletcher, and Elise of Fond du Lac, WI. She is also survived by her siblings: Ralph (Annette) Scharf of Watertown, WI; Charlotte (Paul) Wiley of Mosinee, WI; and Madeline (Thomas) Horton of Watertown, WI. Further survivors include her sister-in-law Marie (Gerald) Heckmann of Lake Mills, WI, and many cousins, nephews, and nieces. She was preceded in death by her parents Erwin and Irene Scharf, her father and mother-in-law Henry and Irene Meyer, a cousin, and a niece. There at my Savior’s side Heav’n is my home – I am now glorified; Heaven is my home. There are the good and blest, Those I love most and best, And there I, too, do rest; Heav’n is my home. Helen’s life ended in triumph solely through the Word and works of Jesus. We live in the confident hope of Jesus’ words and promises, “because I live, you too shall live.” The family would like to thank the staff of Maple Meadow, Harbor Haven, and SSM Health Hospice for their compassion and care of Helen. If you desire, in lieu of flowers, please consider your favorite WELS entity, the building and relocation effort of Redeemer Lutheran Church and School, Fond du Lac, WI, or Martin Luther College, New Ulm, MN. VISITATION: The family will greet relatives and friends from 9:00 - 11:00 AM, on Saturday, September 9, 2023, at Redeemer Lutheran Church, 606 Forest Avenue, Fond du Lac. SERVICE: Celebration of the death, resurrection and life of Jesus will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday, September 9, 2023, at Redeemer Ev. Lutheran Church, with Pastor James Borgwardt and Pastor Christopher Rathje officiating. In accordance with Helen’s wishes, we are suggesting, not insisting, that you attend the service dressed in your fine Easter attire. A meal will be served after the church service to which you are cordially invited.

Helen I. Meyer

December 11, 1945 - August 29, 2023