Lorraine A. Helfrich

Lorraine Helfrich, 89 of La Crosse passed away on Saturday, November 12, 2016 at Hillview Healthcare Center, La Crosse. She was born in La Crosse to Frank and Rose (Mickschl) Tomsicek on May 11, 1927. Lorraine graduated from Aquinas High School. She was employed as a billing clerk at Trane Company. In 1949, she married Donald J. Helfrich and they moved to Faribault, Minnesota where they operated a café. She was a Girl Scout Leader to hearing impaired girls at the Faribault State School. In 1954, they returned to La Crosse. Lorraine enjoyed being a seamstress for her girls and spent many hours giving help to St.Thomas More Church and School (now Mary, Mother of the Church) She was a school librarian for 12 years. She also enjoyed travelling as well as playing bridge with her special friends for 50 years.
Lorraine is survived by her husband, Donald, and three daughters, Mary (Eric) Hennen , Elizabeth (Glen) Sharpe of Suwanee, GA., and Joanne Dierkop of La Crosse. She also enjoyed the company of her three grandchildren, Jessica Dierkop and David and Michael Sharpe. She has one brother, Clifford (Theresa) Tomsicek; sisters-in-law, Helen Helfrich, Anita Helfrich, Rita Helfrich and Carole (Richard) Hobbs.
Preceding her in death were her parents, Frank and Rose Tomsicek; a sister, Virginia Sorenson; and an infant daughter.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 A.M. on Wednesday, November 16, 2016 at Mary Mother of the Church parish at 2006 Weston Street, La Crosse. Rev. Brian D. Konopa will officiate. Private family burial will take place in the Catholic Cemetery at a later date. Friends may call on the family Wednesday morning from 9:30 A.M. until the time of Mass.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to Mary, Mother of the Church Building Fund or Aquinas High School. The family wishes to extend their gratitude to the caregivers at Hillview Health Care.