- Helen M. Koehn, Little Chute, age 88, beloved daughter of Joseph Peter and Mary (Brantmeier) Koehn, finally left this world on Friday Dec. 26, 2008. Helen was a life-long resident of Little Chute and member of St. John Nepomucene Catholic Church her entire life. She graduated from St. John High School with the class of 1938. After a short training in secretarial school learning the crafts of taking shorthand and typing, Helen started working at the Little Chute Post Office. Helen, throughout the years, became a very familiar face to all of the residents as they came to the post office for all of their mailing needs. Helen was part of the work force of women who worked during the war and continued. She never gave up in trying to achieve more in her job. Finally, in 1979, Helen was offered the job of Postmaster in Kewaunee, Wis. As Kewaunee was 49 miles away, Helen was not assisted in reassigning to a new location. Instead, Helen maintained two domiciles, one in Little Chute and one in Kewaunee as she worked for another ten years.
Throughout the years, Helen's natural athleticism was evidenced in her golfing and bowling games. She joined various golf clubs in the area and bowled in the wintertime at her niece's (Colleen McMahon) business, Village Lanes. She excelled in her hometown, Little Chute, and met many friends through her sports in Kewaunee. Helen's name appeared on more than one occasion in the local papers recognizing her talents both on the golf course and in the bowling lanes. Helen's unique sense of humor and strong work ethic led to her working 49 years with the U.S. Postal Service. Besides working and having fun in her local and adopted community of Kewaunee, Helen also served for almost 20 years as secretary for the Little Chute School Board. Helen was always willing to offer her time to community affairs.
However, Helen's biggest and most significant part of her life was being our aunt. She was the only sister of our mother (Margaret Gertrude Koehn McMahon). Helen would give up one hour of her vacation time to add to her hour of lunch and prepare the most fantastic meals (including desserts) for our mom and five kids. We reflect on the sacrifices that she made for her sister's family and the difference she made in our lives. Helen was always there for our family whether it was preparing a lunch, shopping for a new dress, talking about a job, or just being together. Surely God will keep this blessed woman close to His heart as we do. We will miss our beloved Aunt Helen, but know that one day we will be together again.
Helen is survived by 3 nieces, Kathleen (Sam) Alexander, Kaiserslautern, Germany, Maureen "Punky" Egan, Madison, and Colleen McMahon, Little Chute; 2 nephews: Joseph (Christine) McMahon, Hilbert; and Michael (Becky) McMahon, Appleton; great-nephews and -nieces: Warren and Brigitte Alexander, Jeffers Egan, Cailin (Adam) Powell and Bree McMahon; and one great-great-niece, Grace Powell. She is further survived by other relatives and friends.
Helen was preceded in death by her parents, Joseph and Mary (Brantmeier) Koehn; her sister and brother-in-law, Margaret and Lawrence McMahon; and an infant nephew, Thomas McMahon. She was also preceded in death by numerous aunts, uncles, cousins and many furry family members.
Visitation will begin at 3 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 30, 2008, at ST. JOHN NEPOMUCENE CATHOLIC CHURCH (323 S. Pine St., Little Chute) until the time of funeral at 5 p.m. The Rev. James Hablewitz will officiate. Committal St. John Cemetery. A memorial has been established.
Kathleen and I wish to extend a sincere thank you to the staff at Kindred Hearts for the love and compassion they have shown Helen over the past five years and especially in these past few difficult months. It was a great comfort to be part of the Kindred Hearts family.
O'CONNELL
FUNERAL HOME
201 E. Main Street
Little Chute 920-788-6237
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1920 - 2008 (88 years)
[1] 
Education - High School
