Helen A Leitermann, was blessed with the grace of final perseverance. Her devotion to the Blessed Mother was rewarded by her death on December 8, 2020, the feast of the Immaculate Conception. She was a longtime Antigo resident, and died in Almond where she had been living with her daughter. She was 96 years old. Helen was born on February 26, 1924, in the town of Franklin, Manitowoc County, a daughter of the late Joseph A. and Anna B. (Stasek) Kopidlansky. She was a graduate of DePere High School in 1943.
She worked as a secretary for the Manitowoc Chamber of Commerce and in the personnel office for Manitowoc ship yards until her marriage to John Leitermann on November 6, 1944, in Kellnersville. He preceded her in death on April 29, 1999.
John and Helen moved to the town of Antigo where they were prominent dairy farmers from 1944 to 1979. They spent a 16-year retirement in the Ozarks in Willow Springs, Missouri before returning to Antigo in 1995.
Helen was a longtime secretary of the Langlade County Chapter of the National Farmers Organization. She wrote many articles for the Green Bay Register paper and was a member of Toastmistress.
She enjoyed reading, gardening and sharing the harvest, visiting with family and friends.
Survivors include six daughters, Mary Simerson of Merrill, Rose Cary of Green Bay, Kathleen (Warren) Gruetzmacher of Merrill, Dorothy Benes of Bonduel, Carol (Rodney) Gutenberger of Merrill, Joan (Dennis) Karnowski of Almond; four sons, Joe (Laurel) Leitermann of Antigo, Mike Leitermann of Antigo, Thomas (Chris) Leitermann of Willow Springs, MO, Kenneth Leitermann of Willow Springs, MO; 50 grandchildren; 151 great-grandchildren; 32 great-great-grandchildren with 11 more on the way.
Helen was the last living member of her generation. Besides her husband, John, she was preceded in death by her eight siblings and their spouses; a son-in-law, Charles Cary; a granddaughter, Mary Ann Roberts; a grandson, John Cary; two great-grandchildren Luke Roberts and Boniface Kargel.
A funeral service will be held on Tuesday, December 15, 2020, at 10 a.m. at St. Mary's Oratory in Wausau with Cannon Aaron Huberfeld officiating. Burial will take place in Bent Cemetery.
Visitation will be 3 to 7 p.m. on Monday at the Bradley Funeral Home with the rosary recited at 4 p.m. Visitation on Tuesday will be at St. Mary's Oratory from 9 a.m. until the time of Mass.
Online condolences at www.bradleyfh.com.
Services
Visitation
Antigo, WI 54409
Visitation
Wausau, Wisconsin 54403
Visitation
Wausau, Wisconsin 54403
Someone has supported the family by purchasing them flowers or gifts from the Healing Registry.
Playing rummy, she always asked someone to "ffllbbtt" the cards for her (she couldn't shuffle the deck with her arthritic fingers). When playing Scrabble, she would always turn her opponents' letter trays around and help them come up with really good words, but she would still usually win anyway. Her collection of houseplants on the window sill in her dining room always fascinated me. I loved to rub the leaves of the mosquito plant and smell the lemony fragrance.
My deepest condolences to all of Gma's children and grandchildren, and a thousand thank-yous to A Joanie and her family for the years of tender loving care they gave Gma. God bless you all!
Grandma was such an amazing lady. I have many fond memories of visiting her when I was a child. She was a fantastic cook. I never liked saurkraut except when Grandma made it! Everything she did was done with love. Every Christmas she would make goodie bags full of fun treats for each of her 50 grandchildren. When we visited her in Missouri she would take us for walks up the steep driveway to get the mail. She and Grandpa would bless us each night before we went to bed. When Grandma and Grandpa moved back to Wisconsin I was older and enjoyed playing Scrabble and Rummy with her. She shared recipes and told fun stories.
Grandma has left a beautiful legacy. Rest in peace, sweet Grandma, and please continue to pray for us. We love you!
So very sorry for your loss. She was a wonderful lady. I remember going over there when I was young. She was alway baking something 💕💕.
They had a beautiful farm.
I Played in the hay mow with Dorothy & Carol. & I’m sure a few others. Swinging from the hay mow with the big rope was a blast. Growing up then was so much fun. Thanks Leitrrmann family for the great memories
Prayers and my condolences to all family members 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻💕💕
Grandma:
Devotion. Love of God and family. Spunk. Scrabble and crossword puzzles. Sauerkraut and dumplings. Beautiful gardens. Amazing pickles. Granny salve and herbal remedies. Her poor arthritic pointer finger she called Charmin. Her beautiful devotional altar in the living room. The chime of her clock. Curlers in her damp hair, kneeling bent over by the heat register to dry her hair! Hugs and kisses, laughter and tears.
Grandma shared everything she had with anyone who came to see her. Her life was not easy, but she took the bull by the horns and made the world a better place.
Thank you, Aunt Joanie and everyone who devoted so much to taking care of Grandma. May God reward you for your works of mercy!
Many miles and my own family obligations keep me away, but my heart is with you who are burying Grandma. Thoughts and prayers know no boundaries. Mine are with you.
Gone but never forgotten. Her clock on my wall chimes a little prayer for her and her benefactors four times an hour. Rest in peace, dear Grandma.
To all the Cousins and your families, I extend sympathy, love and prayers.
I rejoice with Aunt Helen that she was called by God to end her earthly journey on the feast of the Immaculate Conception. Aunt Helen had deep devotion to Mary, the Mother of Jesus.
My heartfelt sympathy to the Leitermann Family. Your Mom was a kind, hard working lady and a good neighbor. Lots of fun times at your home.
Barb Cejka Strube
I agree with my sister Jo that I have good memories of visiting Uncle Johnnie and Aunt Helen in Antigo. I remember going in and out the back screen door. She was always glad to see us. God bless the family. John Leitermann
May the Sacred Heart bless all of you as you are missing Helen. She truly is a beautiful soul and grateful to have known her! May she truly rejoice in her heavenly home
I also have great memories of visiting the farm as a kid. Aunt Helen always had room and open arms for one more kid. Sad to see the last of her generation leave us. My thoughts are with all the family.
Jo (Leitermann) Friedman
Our sympathy to all of you. Had a lot of memories visiting the farm.
You are all in our prayers
Tony & Darlene Binversie
Add to Your Calendar
Obit Checkin