Doris E. (Pitz) Helle

Doris E. Helle, 87, of Edgewood, Iowa, passed away surrounded by family, on Tuesday, June 4, 2024, which was her and Tony’s wedding anniversary, at the Good Neighbor Home in Manchester. She was born on September 19, 1936, in rural Dubuque, the daughter of Paul and Leonetta “Nettie” (Ries) Pitz. Doris was raised and educated in New Vienna and graduated from St. Boniface Catholic High School.

On June 4, 1957, Doris was united in marriage to Anthony “Tony” Helle at St. Boniface Catholic Church in New Vienna. Five children were born to this union. After their marriage, the couple lived for one year on the home farm before purchasing their farm outside of Edgewood. They raised their family there and lived on the farm for many years.  In 1976 they moved outside of Edgewood.

Doris was a longtime active member of St. Mark Catholic Church and was active with the Rosary Society. Doris and Tony owned and operated the Dairy Sweet for 16 years. Doris enjoyed playing cards, traveling, and dancing polkas with Tony.  She loved quilting, was a wonderful cook who enjoyed trying new recipes, and loved holding all the babies in her growing family. Activities that she was involved with include the Sunset Breakfast Club, Edgewood Garden Club, Red Hat Ladies, and Edgewood Women’s Club. She loved spending time with her grandkids and great-grandkids and attending their sporting events. Above all else, Doris loved her family and cherished the time they spent together.

Survivors include her children, Vickie (Randy) Mescher of Edgewood, Tim (Anne) Helle of Austin, Texas, Jayne (Mark) Bobbin of Robins, Kathy (Larry) Johnson of Irvine, California, and John Helle of Englewood, Florida; 11 grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; sister, Phyllis Jean Hromadka of Dubuque; sister-in-law, Elaine Pitz of Dyersville; and many nieces and nephews.

Doris was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Tony Helle; brother, Gary Pitz; sister, Katherine (Dave) Hughes; two sisters-in-law, Eileen (Frank) Egloff and Ivanelle “Toots” (Cal) Bockenstedt; and two brothers-in-law, Donald (Ardella) Helle and Vernon (Mildred) Helle.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to St. Mark Catholic Church, Edgewood Fire Department, or Edgewood Ambulance Service.

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