Rita Ann Helwig, age 66 of Waumandee, WI passed away peacefully on Monday, November 27, 2017 at St. Michael’s Assisted Living in Fountain City where she resided since February 11, 2017. She was born on May 7, 1951 in La Crosse, one of five children born to Dominic and Helen Therring. Rita attended Cochrane-Fountain City High School. On September 7, 1968 Rita was united in marriage to Vilas Helwig at St. Lawrence Catholic Church in Alma. To this blessed union, four children were born. Vilas preceded Rita in death on July 11, 2012. Rita was employed at La Crosse Milling in Cochrane, a career that spanned 32 years. Shortly after her time with the Mill, Rita began driving school bus for C-FC school district along with working at Benchmark in Winona. Rita was a member of St. Boniface Catholic Church in Waumandee. She also was a member of the Waumandee Community Club.
Rita enjoyed her night out bowling with the ladies, was an avid and devoted Green Bay Packers and Wisconsin Badgers fan and would enjoy an occasional trip to different casinos. Rita’s biggest and most treasured enjoyment was for family. She will be remembered as a loving and devoted wife, mom, grandma and sister. Her legacy will live deep in the hearts of all. Rita is survived by her children, Rick (Bonnie) Helwig, Charles Helwig, Joe (Missy) Helwig, and Becky (Joe) Holzer; her loving grandchildren, Jaiden Helwig, and Isabella, and Ethan Holzer; siblings, Robert Therring, of Fountain City, Betty (Roger) Spalding of Winona, Debbie (Michael) Wise of Atlanta, GA and Mary Therring of Minneapolis; also by her brother and sister in law, Orville and Goldene Helwig; along with many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
Rita was preceded in death by her parents and her loving husband, Vilas.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, December 1, 2017 at 10:30 AM at St. Boniface Catholic Church. Burial will follow at Montana United Methodist church cemetery. A visitation will be held on Thursday, November 30, 2017 from 4:00 pm until 7:00 pm and again on Friday from 9:30 am until the hour of the mass all at the church. Talbot Family Funeral Homes of Alma, WI is assisting the family with arrangements. Please share a memory or express your condolences at www.talbotfuneralhomes.com
