Joan P. Helmann

PORTAGE  --  Joan P. Helmann, passed away on Tuesday, August 6, 2013. 

Joan, 82, was born to John and Ethel (Fitzpatrick) Helmann.  She graduated from Portage High School and lived and worked in Illinois and Washington State.  She recently moved back to Portage to be with her family.  Joan was a classy, sophisticated, strong-willed woman.  It was these same traits which were sometimes challenging, yet why her family and friends loved her.

Joan was preceded in death by her parents, her sister, Fay Ashley, her brother William “Bill” Helmann, and her life-long friend, Clara Wanner.  She is survived by her sisters, Colleen Hollender, and Mary Jane Helmann, both of Portage, and Sr. Virginia Helmann, of Sinsinawa; her sister-in-law, Ruthann Helmann, of Portage, as well as numerous nieces and nephews and their families.  Joan loved animals and is also survived by her dog, Keri.  

A private service for family members will be held.  The Pflanz Mantey Mendrala Funeral Home in Portage is assisting the family.

Memorials may be made to the Columbia County Humane Society in Joan’s name.