Helen S. Wais

Helen S. Wais, 98, of LaCrosse, Wisconsin died August 1, 2020 at Bethany Lutheran Riverside. Helen was born in Dubuque, Iowa on December 20, 1921 to Albert Nowak and Helen Ginther Nowak. She married James Wais at Holy Trinity Catholic Church in LaCrosse on April 17, 1948. Prior to having children, Helen worked at the Employment Office and after her children were grown, she worked in the Registrar’s Office at University of Wisconsin – LaCrosse.

Helen enjoyed bowling, golfing, and playing bridge with her husband Jim and friends. Boat rides on Ed and Kay’s boat and family reunions at their house on the Mississippi River were special times for her.

Helen shared her love of playing cards, bingo, knitting, crocheting, sewing, and cooking with her children and grandchildren who treasure those items and memories. She found comfort in her later years by listening to music and wearing pretty hats.

Helen was deeply loved by her husband Jim for 60 years until his death in 2008. She was preceded in death by her two brothers, Joe and Dick Nowak. She was also loved by her six children Pete (Nancy – deceased), Kathy Marth (John – deceased), John - deceased (Kim), Ed (Kay), Theresa Schmidt (Scott), and Mike (Lori). Helen was Grandma Helen to 13 grandchildren and 21 great-grandchildren.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be Saturday, August 15, at 10:30am, at Holy Trinity Catholic Church in LaCrosse. Father Rick will officiate. Burial will follow at Catholic Cemetery in LaCrosse. The service and burial will be private.

Schumacher-Kish Funeral Home of LaCrosse is assisting the family.

A special thanks to the staff at Bethany Riverside – Lighthouse. Helen’s family greatly appreciated the care that was given to her.