Petsche, Helen (1918 - 2014)

PETSCHE, MUENCHRATH, GRAEVE

Posted By: Denise Wurner (email)
Date: 1/29/2014 at 18:14:35

Name of deceased: Helen Marie Petsche (nee Graeve)

Aged: 95 yrs, 8 mo, 16 days

Residence: Elm Crest Retirement Community, Harlan, IA

Born: April 28, 1918, in Earling, IA; her mother died shortly after her birth, and she was raised by Catherine and Carl Zimmerman

Died: Jan. 13, 2014, at the Elm Crest Retirement Community in Harlan, IA

Funeral services: Mass of Christian Burial: Friday, Jan. 17, 2014, at St. Michael’s Catholic Church in Harlan, IA; Msgr. Robert J. Chamberlain, Fr. John Frost, and Fr. Daniel Petsche officiated. Burial was in the Harlan Cemetery, Harlan, IA.

Survived by: Daughter, Jane Petsche of Omaha, NE; 4 sisters; 4 brothers; nieces and nephews; other relatives and friends

Predeceased by: Parents, Henry and Mary (nee Muenchrath) Graeve; husband of 45 years, Michael Petsche (deceased July 24, 1986); 3 sisters; 7 brothers

Education: attended St. Boniface schools, Westphalia, IA, and graduated from St. Boniface High School, Class of 1937.

Religious affiliation: baptized and confirmed at St. Boniface Catholic Church in Westphalia, IA; she was an active member of St. Michael’s Catholic Church in Harlan, IA, and attended daily Mass as often as she could.

Military service: n/a

Marriage: Michael Matthew Petsche; Jan. 7, 1941 at St. Boniface Catholic Church, Westphalia, IA

Employment: After their marriage, Helen worked for Boeing in Wichita, KS, and the Henry Ford Factory in Ypsilanti, MI, while Mike served in the U.S. Navy. When Mike was assigned to the SS Buckley, Helen returned to live in Westphalia with Catherine and Carl Zimmerman. During this time, the couple’s daughter was born. After Mike’s discharge, the family continued to live with Catherine and Carl until 1951, when they moved to their home located near St. Michael’s Catholic Church in Harlan, IA., where Helen enjoyed raising their daughter.

Hobbies/Interests: After her husband’s death, Helen and Jane traveled together extensively, visiting 48 states, seven Canadian provinces, and four Mexican cities. Helen liked bowling, attending Ak-sar-ben races and shows, reading, ceramics, crocheting, and embroidery. Helen also enjoyed going out for coffee with friends.

Sources: harlanonline.com; burmeisterjohannsen.com