Helen Frieda Schoen

A live stream of Helen's funeral services can be viewed in the box below this obituary beginning at 11:00 a.m., September 19, 2026.

Helen Frieda Schoen, age 94, of Neillsville, WI, passed away peacefully surrounded by her loving family on August 28, 2026.

Helen was born on January 12, 1932, to Casper and Emma (Altemus) Marty. She attended Reed School in Neillsville, WI. Growing up, she had a love for animals and being outdoors.

Helen met the love of her life, Walter Schoen, and the two were united in marriage on November 25, 1950. Together, Helen and Walter were blessed with seven children: Emilie, Walter, Karl, Rodney, Karlette, Dawn, and Floyd.

Helen and Walter built their life together in Neillsville through hard work, determination, and a deep devotion to their family. Walter worked in the trucking industry and construction, while Helen worked outside the home and cared for their family. They were both known for their generosity and willingness to lend a helping hand to anyone in need.

While raising their children, life was not always easy, and Helen sacrificed greatly to make sure her family had everything they needed. She worked nights at Memorial Medical Center in Neillsville, often coming home in the morning only to head to the pickle patch or to the hog barn for several more hours of work. She would return home to make lunch for the kids, sleep for a few hours, and then get back up to make sure everyone was cared for before heading back to work for another night. Helen also took on various odd jobs, including waitressing, whenever necessary to help make ends meet. No matter how tired she was or how hard life became, her children and their needs always came first.

Helen lost Walter much too early in 1996 following his struggle with diabetes. She faithfully cared for him throughout his illness and remained by his side until his final breath. The love and dedication she showed Walter reflected the way Helen lived her entire life-caring for others and putting the people she loved before herself.

Helen was a dedicated employee of Memorial Medical Center for more than 43 years. During her time working in the OB unit, she had the special opportunity to see and hold most of her grandchildren after they were born, often rocking them to sleep while working nights. Her strong work ethic and caring nature touched many throughout her years there.

Outside of work, Helen loved gardening, baking, and crocheting. In retirement, she could often be found tending to her garden, caring for her plants, growing vegetables, or baking something delicious to share. Family and friends knew Helen for her hearty vegetable plants, plentiful vegetables, and wonderful baked goods, which she generously shared with those around her.

Crocheting was another special way Helen showed her love for her family. One tradition especially important to her was crocheting baptismal gowns for each of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Every gown was made by Grandma's hands with love and care, creating treasured keepsakes that will continue to be passed down and cherished by her family for generations.

Above all else, Helen cared deeply for her family. She wasn't just a grandmother-she helped raise many of her grandchildren and even some of her great-grandchildren. Her home was always a place where family knew they belonged. As her grandchildren were growing up, they were always welcome at Grandma Schoen's house for breakfast, lunch, dinner, or simply a place to be. Her door was open, there was always something to eat, and there was always room for one more.

Even later in life, Helen continued finding ways to care for others. She became a volunteer driver, helping elderly members of the community get to and from their medical appointments. She continued volunteering until she was no longer able to drive, demonstrating the generosity and service to others that defined her life.

Helen will be remembered for her incredible work ethic, her generosity, her love of gardening, baking, and crocheting, and, most importantly, her unwavering devotion to her family. She spent a lifetime caring for others, whether it was her husband, children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, patients, neighbors, or members of her community. Her greatest legacy is the family she loved, cared for, and helped raise.

Helen is survived by her children, Emilie (Denny) Fleischmann, Walter (Christy) Schoen, Karl (Xiuping) Schoen, Rodney (Renee) Schoen, Karlette Schoen (Chris), Dawn Moczynski (Ron), and Floyd (Debbie) Schoen; along with her seventeen grandchildren, thirty-nine great-grandchildren, and thirteen great-great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Walter Schoen; son-in-law, LeRoy Moczynski; grandsons, Roland Schoen, Curt Fleischmann, Joseph Schoen, and Tim Habert; great-grandchildren, Devon Fleischmann and Remy Schoen; five brothers, Walter Marty, Fred Marty, Bill Marty, Jesse Marty and Bob Marty; and two sisters, Beth Sternitzky and Esther Hainzlsperger.

A Memorial Service for Helen will be held at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, September 19, 2026, at the Gesche Funeral Home in Neillsville. Pastor Terry Marg will officiate. Interment will be in the Neillsville City Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m., Friday, September 18th, and from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m., Saturday, September 19th at the Gesche Funeral Home.

Helen's life was one of hard work, sacrifice, generosity, and unconditional love. Her family will forever cherish the countless meals around her table, the treats from her kitchen, the bounty from her garden, the baptismal gowns lovingly made by her hands, and, most of all, the comfort of knowing that Grandma Schoen's door and heart were always open.

Online Condolences may be made at www.geschefh.com.

The Gesche Funeral Home is assisting Helen's family with funeral arrangements.