Helen Danz (1926-2020)

DANZ

Posted By: Ken Wright (email)
Date: 4/20/2020 at 14:12:30

Obituary
Helen A. Danz, 93, of Asbury, Iowa died peacefully at home on April 16, 2020. Private Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Monday, April 20, 2020 at Church of the Resurrection, Dubuque, Iowa. Burial will be in Mount Calvary Cemetery, Dubuque, Iowa. Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road is assisting the family.

Helen was born on July 12, 1926 the second child of Albert Joseph “Bert” Weis and Clara Elizabeth (Huschar) Weis in Galena, Illinois. She grew up on the families Stagecoach Trail farm, loving the animals her family raised and enjoying simplicity that only can be appreciated in a rural life. Pets were made of the animals she cared for and she often enjoyed reminiscing about this with her children and grandchildren. She attended Ford School, a one room schoolhouse, located a short distance from her birthplace. Her Dad nicknamed her “Slim” and many photographs of her youth captured this as she donned a cowboy hat, shirt, jeans, boots, and lasso.

On June 1, 1950, Helen was united in marriage to Gilbert Edward “Gibby” Danz of Black Earth, Wisconsin. They made their home and raised their family in Black Earth for 57 years before moving to Asbury, Iowa to be with their daughter because of Gibby’s deteriorating health. They were married for 59 years and had two children, Kathleen Helen Danz and Gilbert August Danz.

Helen worked for many families in the Madison area for over 40 years as a self-employed house cleaner. Following her retirement in 2001, she kept in touch with them through holiday correspondence. It was obvious how deeply they appreciated her service which continued with their children from across the United States. She viewed herself lucky to have so many extended family members and friends.

Helen enjoyed making a welcoming home for her family and their friends. It was not unusual to have an extra person or two at the table in a moment’s notice where her wonderful meals were enjoyed by those gathered. Although quiet by nature, she had a sense of humor that came out at just the right time when a story was being told or when a retort was required. Her creativity was expressed in gardening, quilting, crocheting, and sewing. She was an excellent seamstress and made many beautiful quilts that kept others warm with her beautiful creations. She enjoyed snowmobiling with her husband and surprised many when she and Gibby purchased motorcycles to ride on the weekends. In her later years, reruns of old westerns, a slow stole on her treadmill, and a word find puzzle or two satisfied her remaining energy. Her leisurely mealtimes included watching birds feeding from seed piles she had place out for them while she sat at the dining room table. She especially enjoyed the cardinals and woodpeckers that were remained season after season. She loved to travel with her family and took pride in having visited each of the states except Alaska and Hawaii. Her favorite part of the country was the west and she loved watching the cowboys herd their cattle on the buttes of Montana. It seemed to fulfill a dream she held in her heart of someday owning a horse and living life on a ranch.

Helen was preceded in death by her husband, Gibby, (January 19, 2010); a grandson, William James; her parents, Albert and Clara Weis; a sister, Coletta Schultz (John); a brother Clarence; and brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Russell and Wanda Turk, Clayton and Laura Garfoot, Albert and Irene Danz, Oscar and Dolores Danz, Harland and Annetta Danz, John and Vivian Danz, Orland and Marjorie Danz, Roger and Arlene Disrud, and Virgil Turk.

She is survived by her daughter, Kathleen H. Danz; her son, Gilbert A. (Kathleen) Danz; a granddaughter, Laura K. Danz (Jesse Bowman); a grandson, Charles A.; a sister, Marguerite Turk; and sister-in-law, Carma Weis; nieces and nephews, grand nieces and nephews, and great great grand nieces and nephews.

Although we wish that you didn’t have to leave us, we know it is time to let you go to the place which was created for you by God whom you loved, held in awe and trusted above all things. We can’t help but think that once you saw the face of God, the great Mystery mounted you on the horse you so longed to have and you are now riding in the beauty of heaven. “Slim”, rest in peace and until we meet again, may you ride like the wind.

The family wishes to thank Mary Schmidt, Resurrection parish nurse and Christy Whiteman, parish visitor for their visits with mom supporting her with prayer, presence, and enabling her to continue to receive the Sacrament of Eucharist; Deacon Mike Ellis; Julie Ehlinger, ARNP, and her nurse Lacee: and Kim Ehlers, ARNP, and her nurse, Sherry for their compassionate concern and care during Helen’s extended illnesses. A special thank you to the staff at Mercy One in her final days for their medical skills and support. We will cherish always the kindness, thoughtfulness and heart-felt care shown by Barb, Jessica, Heather, Stephanie and Katie of Hospice of Dubuque.

In lieu of flowers a Helen A. Danz memorial fund will be established. You may send cards of sympathy or memorial donations to Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road, Dubuque, IA 52003.

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