Helen Schaitel

BRIGGSVILLE / WISCONSIN DELLS  --  Helen Schaitel, age 92, of Briggsville, passed away at the Golden Living Center in Wisconsin Dells on Friday, May 6, 2011.

Helen was born in Dellona Township near Lyndon Station on December 16, 1918, the daughter of Sigfred and Agnes Woida.  As a young girl, she lived with the nuns in Lyndon during the school year because it was too far to walk to school.  Helen worked for and lived with the Gerald Baggot family while attending high school in Wisconsin Dells;  graduating in 1936.  She went on to beautician school in Madison.  After graduating, she opened her own shop on Superior Street in the Dells and operated it for 18 years.  In 1939, she married LaVerne “Bud” Schaitel, who operated Barrett’s Bar on Broadway;  and in 1955, together they purchased The Pheasant Inn in Briggsville. 

Helen is survived by her three daughters, Sandee Berkley of Azle, Texas, Susan (Craig) Hilliard of Briggsville, and  Signa “Punky” Schaitel, also of Briggsville;  her grandchildren, Troy, Travis and Tara (Hahn) Hilliard, Reed Berkley and Steven Hayes;  six great-grandchildren;  other relatives and friends.  She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, her two brothers, and three sisters.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, May 10, 2011, at St. Mary Help of Christians Catholic Church in Briggsville, with Fr. Jim Murphy presiding.  Burial will follow in St. Mary Cemetery.  Visitation will be held on Tuesday at the church from 9:30 a.m. until 11:00 a.m.  The Pflanz Mantey Mendrala Funeral Home in Portage is assisting the family.