Helen Eva Dresen left this world on her terms – following beautiful Christmas and New Year festivities with family and friends. Born May 22, 1921, she was the last surviving sibling of 7. Heart complications took her away January 3rd 2015 at Agrace Hospice Center in Madison, Wisconsin to rejoin a lifetime of family and friends. She was preceded in death by her husband George, parents, Jacob and Regina Niesen, sisters Frances(Henry) Zander, Rosina (Vincent) Runnoe, Marcella (Clarence) Johnston, Irene (Jimmy) Wymore, Beatrice (Henry) Brunner, brother Lawrence (Helen) Niesen, and grandson Craig Dresen. She is survived by her children – Stan (Rosie) Dresen, Carol (Reg) Christensen, Ron (Rosemarie) Dresen, Linda (Tom) Mittelstedt, 11 grandchildren and 8 great grandchildren.
Although a polio victim at a young age and told she would probably not live past age 13, she added 80 years to that number. Her parents did not allow her to be treated as a "cripple". Even though she wore a leg brace most of her childhood, it didn't stop her from enjoying childhood even though she fell frequently when trying to run. Neither did it provide an excuse for not doing chores. Her desire to maintain a healthy body kept her mindful of her diet, and she exercised for an hour every other day until the last few months. Her 25th birthday present was her marriage to George which blessed 48 years of her life. As a young wife she was told it was unlikely she would have children however she was blessed with four. She was a grandchild's dream Grandmother - creating fun Christmas activities, cookie decorating, Easter egg hunts, birthday celebrations and lots of hugs and kisses. Known for her cooking skills many people enjoyed dining at her beautifully appointed table, especially at Christmas. She loved decorating her house for every season and holiday, often gathering from her gardens to do so. Service outside her family among other things included arranging flowers for the church altars, providing many flowers from her flower beds. Not allowing the setbacks of polio and old age to stop her, she spent many hours crawling in her garden beds to keep them beautiful. Several grandsons and good friends provided the heavy work. Caring for the Chapel at Indian Lake Park became a commitment in her early 70's even though her polio affected leg made climbing the path difficult. She provided this service into her 80's with help from a granddaughter.
Dancing was her favorite activity, along with playing cards. On her death bed she called her sister in law to let her know she wouldn't be at cards next week. No invitation was needed to drop by for a visit – her home was always open, clean and pretty. She loved unexpected guests and always marveled and expressed gratitude for those who remembered her and shared their time. She felt her home was heaven on earth and expressed that sentiment daily. The view from one window showed her childhood family farm off in the distance, and in another view the 144 year ancestral family farm where she and George raised their family. Cherished for her strength, happy disposition and love of life she may be gone but will never be forgotten. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:30 am on Friday, January 9, 2015 at St. Martin of Tours Catholic Church, Martinsville/Cross Plains. Visitation will be held from 8:30 am until time of service. Burial will follow in the church cemetery.