Helen Ann Vlies

Helen Ann Vlies, 85, Algoma, died peacefully on August 5th at Bellin Hospital with her family at her side. Helen was born in Forestville on April 4, 1928, to Lawrence and Theresa Schlise. She graduated from Victory School in Forestville and Algoma High School. She continued her education at the Green Bay School of Cosmetology and then worked at Stradlings Beauty Shop in Algoma until her marriage. She cut and styled hair at her home for friends and family for many years and also worked at Algoma Hospital. She married Raymond 'Al' Vlies on September 2, 1953, and together they raised five children. They were a great team for almost sixty years, never letting the physical challenges that came in later years get in the way of keeping busy and enjoying life as they had always done. Helen was a kind and caring person who was known for her hospitality and excellent cooking. She could prepare the tastiest of meals at a moment's notice and worked hard to make her home comfortable and welcoming to family and friends alike. She had a special knack for making every holiday and birthday special with the perfect gifts, decorations and treats. Helen's family was her priority. She was a dedicated and loving mother and grandmother. As her family grew and spread out throughout the country, her grandchildren were always excited to visit knowing she would have special snacks, games and a fun list of activities planned including many trips to 'The Farm' in Door County and Bay Beach Amusement Park. Helen enjoyed spending time with friends including the 'Grapes' - a group a women who met regularly since high school and her good neighborhood friends. She was a lifelong member of the Catholic church, her involvement in the congregation helped many and her strong faith was a comfort throughout her life. She gave generously of her time to St. Mary's Rosary Society and with Al, delivered meals on wheels for many years. A high school publication accurately described Helen as a 'superwoman,' and she remained one for the rest of her life. She is survived by her husband Al; two daughters Cathy (John) Pabich, Algoma, and Susan (fianc Mark Damaske), Mequon; two sons John (Diana) Vlies, Algoma, and Paul (Carol) Vlies, Casco; grandchildren Alexis (Peter) Mittelstadt and their children Isabelle, Finnegan and Lilyanna, Andrew Pabich, Sarah (Eman) Gomez Rendon and their daughter Lenny; Annie, Steven and David Brookman, Tracey and Kelly Thyes, and Abigail and Madeline Vlies; sister Marie Feuerstein; brothers John (Marge) Schlise, and Robert (Janice) Schlise; brother-in-law Ralph Vlies; and many nieces and nephews and their families. She was preceded in death by her son Allen 'Butch' Vlies, her brother-in-law Leonard Feuerstein, her sister-in-law Betty Vlies and her brother and sister-in-law Harold and Gerry Sibilsky. Friends may call at the SCHINDERLE FUNERAL HOME, Algoma, from 4 - 8 PM Monday, August 12, 2013, and after 10 AM Tuesday, August 13 at St. Mary Catholic Church until the Mass of Christian Burial at 11 AM with Rev. Anthony Birdsall officiating. Prayer service 7 PM Monday at the funeral home with Pastoral Minister Kathy Zeman. Entombment at the Shrine of the Good Shepherd Mausoleum. Online condolences may be made at http://www.schinderle.com/. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made in Helen's name to St. Mary Parish, 118 Church Street, Algoma WI 54201 or Algoma's Park of Flowers Project, mail checks payable to ArtBeet, Inc., PO Box 63, Algoma, WI 54201. Thank you, Mom, for the care and attention that was a constant demonstration of your love for us. We will always keep you in our hearts as our finest example of what we should strive to be as a spouse, mother and grandparent. The family would like to thank Unity Hospice and Palliative Care, Home Instead Senior Care Assistant Grace Ann and the many family members and friends who called, visited and sent notes.

Visitation

Monday, August 12, 2013 4:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Schinderle Funeral Home
1600 Schinderle Ln Algoma 54201, United States

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