1932
Helga
2024
Helga Himmel
July 21, 1932 — January 17, 2024
Helga Benita Himmel, 91, passed away peacefully on January 17, 2024 at her residence in Eau Claire, WI. She was born on July 21, 1932 in Liepaja, Latvia. In June of 1940, Latvia was invaded and occupied by the Soviet Union, followed by German Nazi occupation in 1941-1944. Upon the end of WWII, it became re-occupied by the Soviets and the family was forced to leave Latvia and find refuge in post-war Germany. The family stayed in Germany until they were able to immigrate to the United States in 1949.
Helga and her parents moved to Chicago, Ill where there was family and a strong Latvian community. Fluent in both Latvian and German, Helga worked various jobs in manufacturing and then later at Bankers Life Ins. Co. as a file clerk improving her English skills. While on a bus, commuting to work, she met Franz Himmel, another commuter who not only offered her his seat, but could speak German. Helga and Frank married in 1957. After having 2 children, they moved to suburban Chicago where Helga stayed at home to care for them.
In 1979, Helga and her family moved to Cortez, CO where she and Franz owned and operated a KOA Campground for 10 years. After selling the business, they purchased a small motel which they operated until retirement. In 2013, Helga and Franz moved to Eau Claire, WI to be closer to their daughter. Helga was an energetic and social person who enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren, gardening, cooking German dishes, knitting and traveling.
Helga was preceded in death by Franz, her loving husband of 58 years. She is survived by her children Edwin Himmel of Delores, CO, and Linda (Dan) Lowry of Eau Claire, WI, grandchildren Nicholas (Tonya) Himmel of Phoenix, AZ, Vanessa Himmel of Delores, CO, David Lowry of Eau Claire, WI and Frank (Melissa) Lowry of Milwaukee, WI, and 3 great-grandchildren Nova, Sebastian and Aries. A small family gathering will be held in remembrance of her life.
Helga and her parents moved to Chicago, Ill where there was family and a strong Latvian community. Fluent in both Latvian and German, Helga worked various jobs in manufacturing and then later at Bankers Life Ins. Co. as a file clerk improving her English skills. While on a bus, commuting to work, she met Franz Himmel, another commuter who not only offered her his seat, but could speak German. Helga and Frank married in 1957. After having 2 children, they moved to suburban Chicago where Helga stayed at home to care for them.
In 1979, Helga and her family moved to Cortez, CO where she and Franz owned and operated a KOA Campground for 10 years. After selling the business, they purchased a small motel which they operated until retirement. In 2013, Helga and Franz moved to Eau Claire, WI to be closer to their daughter. Helga was an energetic and social person who enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren, gardening, cooking German dishes, knitting and traveling.
Helga was preceded in death by Franz, her loving husband of 58 years. She is survived by her children Edwin Himmel of Delores, CO, and Linda (Dan) Lowry of Eau Claire, WI, grandchildren Nicholas (Tonya) Himmel of Phoenix, AZ, Vanessa Himmel of Delores, CO, David Lowry of Eau Claire, WI and Frank (Melissa) Lowry of Milwaukee, WI, and 3 great-grandchildren Nova, Sebastian and Aries. A small family gathering will be held in remembrance of her life.
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