Helen Esther Rasche Sheets

     Helen R. Sheets, 96, of Sturgeon Bay, WI passed away peacefully at her home on February 15, 2017 surrounded by her loving family.

     She was born March 19, 1920 to Emma (Deneke) and Alfred Rasche growing up on a farm in Gordonville, Missouri. Helen was the oldest in her family with one sister and four brothers. She graduated from high school in Cape Girardeau in 1938, attended a junior college in Flat River and graduated from Nurse’s Training as an R.N. in 1942 from St. Luke’s Hospital in St. Louis. Helen worked at Children’s Hospital in St. Louis and then during the war worked at S. E. Missouri Hospital in Cape Girardeau.

     After WWII in 1946, Helen married returning pilot Weldon G. Sheets. After Weldon completed medical school in 1951, they moved to Sturgeon Bay where he practiced medicine. Together they raised 9 children. Once all the children were in school, Helen returned to nursing for several years working at Door County Memorial Hospital in Sturgeon Bay on the extended care floor.

     Helen was devoted to making our world a better place through her faith and the kind compassionate ways that defined her life. She was a lifelong active member of the United Methodist Church. Helen’s strong faith guided her words and actions. Nurturing children, supporting the arts and education, and seeking ways to show kindness to others framed each day. Helen respected the beauty of the earth with special joys from each season. She especially enjoyed wildlife, gardening, and the glorious sunset over the bay.   

     She was treasured by her family, relatives, and friends, continuing to be an inspiration and strength to all. Her children are Carolyn, Duluth, MN; Deborah Smith, River Falls, WI; Craig (Debra) Ephraim, WI; Mark (Debra Kay), Cedarburg, WI; Rebecca (Paul) Miller, Green Bay, WI; Laurie Kendel, Sturgeon Bay; and Kevin (Lori), Sturgeon Bay and Dallas, TX.  

     Her grandchildren are Claire (fiancé, Justin Berken) and Jules Miller (fiancé, Caris Markos); Travis and Lanae Smith; Blake Sheets; Rachael, Heather, and Jacob (Rosie) Sheets; Haley and Hunter Sheets.

     Helen was the last surviving member of her own birth family. Preceding her in death were her youngest son Forest in January of 1990; husband Weldon in August of 1991; grandson Luke in May of 2012; and daughter Lucinda in January of 2015.  

     Visitations will be held at the Sturgeon Bay United Methodist Church from 4:00-7:00 p.m. on Friday, February 17th and continuing Saturday morning, at the church from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service at 11:00 a.m.  A lunch will follow the service at church.

     Interment will be at Bayside Cemetery in Sturgeon Bay.

     In lieu of flowers, memorials to Sturgeon Bay United Methodist Church and United Methodist Women are preferred.  Huehns Funeral Home & Cremation Services in Sturgeon Bay is assisting the Sheets family with arrangements. www.huehnsfuneralhome.com

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