Margaret 'Maggie' Faith (Hasenberg) Helmers

MERCER, Wis. - On Jan. 13, 2025, Margaret "Maggie" Faith (née Hasenberg) Helmers passed away peacefully at the age of 96, leaving behind a legacy of resilience and warmth.

Born on July 20, 1928, she was the fifth child of Lydia and William Hasenberg, who immigrated from Finland and Germany.

Margaret's childhood was shaped by her upbringing in Mercer, where she lived in a modest home on Echo Lake. When reminiscing about the early days, she recalled how she would haul water from the lake into the house, a task that instilled in her an appreciation for life's simple pleasures. Her stories from those early years serve as a reminder of her humble beginnings and the strength of her character.

Maggie graduated from Mercer High School in 1946, where she nearly faced suspension from the school play after being caught smoking in the boiler room. At the age of 21, eager for adventure, she and her close friend, Anita, boarded a train bound for Milwaukee. Upon arrival, they dropped off their suitcases and embraced the opportunities awaiting them. Some years later, while working at Allen-Bradley Company, she met Harry, a handsome and ambitious young man.

Maggie and Harry married at St. Isaac Jogues Church in Mercer on July 31, 1954, and they were blessed with five children. While raising their eldest, Daniel, Maggie realized the educational system was not kind to his challenges in the early 1960's. Determined to change that, she naturally became a fierce advocate for him.

Upon retirement, Maggie and Harry moved back to her hometown, where she volunteered at the historical society, opened their home for Lenten Bible studies, and assisted as a poll worker. Most importantly, she continued to enjoy visits from her children and grandchildren.

With artistic hands, Maggie enjoyed oil painting, nurturing plants, petting dogs and dealing a mean hand of cards. She surprised people with her strategic prowess during spirited card games. Her quick wit and playful humor were memorable. She was a fun-loving "night owl," always ready to share a good joke or a catchy tune.

A cherished memory etched in our hearts was a request she made for her 70th birthday to swim in Grand Portage Lake alongside her beloved daughters and granddaughters. This lake held a nostalgic significance for her, as it was the same lake that once filled the steam locomotive she had ridden to Milwaukee, connecting her past with her present in a meaningful way.

Maggie is survived by her children, Scott, Holly and Amy (David A.); nine grandchildren, Tamara, Amanda, Megan, Luke (Autumn), Cody, Danielle, Beau, Clay and Spencer; six great-grandchildren, Weston, Auston, Chloe, Paizley, Iyla and Louis; and many nieces and nephews in Wisconsin and Alaska.

Preceding her in death were her husband, Harold; children, Daniel in 1986 and Julie in 2023; her parents; four siblings; and daughter-in-law, Stephanie.

We find comfort envisioning their reunion now that she has left her earthly body.

We owe special gratitude to the staff at Country Villa (Omro) and Preceptor Hospice.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at a later date at St. Isaac Jogues Church, in Mercer, with final interment at Mercer Cemetery.