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Helen Ferderbar Obituary

Ferderbar, Helen Died peacefully on October 18. Cherished wife and best friend of Thomas Ferderbar, adored mom of Pamela Ferderbar, beloved Aunt of Colleen (Mike) Anderson, Melanie (Brad) Bekos, Kevin (Luz) and Kyle Roach. Helen was a cherished "second mom" to Chad (Nolene) Bruss, caring Great Aunt to Lauren, Tyler, Elliot, Ava, Carly, Jack, Bella, Luis, Dustin and Cielo. Recipient of much joy from great-nephew Liam. Preceded in death by dearly beloved sister Marta. Will be deeply missed by many relatives and friends, but held a special place in her heart for cribbage co-conspirators and besties Gladys Bullis and Lenore Prussack, and her perennial hardcore road trip golf companions Marie Slagle, Bette Olsen, Dorothy Rayeske and Shirley Wolf who passed away earlier this year. Helen was a woman of great strength, humor, intellect and wit. The only woman in the 1948 Marquette University School of Business graduating class, Helen was a genuine trailblazer. Helen served the Catholic Home and School Association in the 1960s and 70s, and was husband Tom's business partner in Ferderbar Studios for more than 40 years. An avid and skilled golfer, Helen was deeply committed to the spirit of the game, serving in numerous offices including president of the Wisconsin Women's Public Links Association (currently WWSGA). Helen was ladies club champ many times over at Tumblebrook Country Club (Western Lakes) and Whitnall Park. In addition to playing in tournaments statewide, Helen founded and co-chaired the annual WWSGA Two Lady Best Ball Tournament at Reedsburg Country Club for many years. A brilliant Scrabble player, voracious reader, wicked card player and enthusiastic traveler, Helen was happiest when laughing with family, playing with her dogs Zuzu and Alfie and walking up 18 as the sun set. A special thank-you to Helen's niece Colleen who oversaw Helen's care in her final days with great compassion and love. A Celebration of Life will be scheduled in early January. Memorials suggested to Age Related Macular Degeneration Research at the Froedtert & Medical College of Wisconsin Eye Institute, 8701 Watertown Plank Rd., Milwaukee, 53226 "To describe my mother would be to write about a hurricane in its perfect power. Or the climbing, falling colors of a rainbow." Maya Angelou

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Published by Milwaukee Journal Sentinel on Oct. 23, 2016.

Memories and Condolences
for Helen Ferderbar

16 Entries

Virginia Conley

October 17, 2024

I remember Helen as a kind and intelligent woman who had a great sense of humor and a beautiful smile. The world was a better place when she was in it.

Bernadette Kelly

October 17, 2020

Helen, you are dearly remembered and loved. I hope that you watching over your sweet daughter Pammy and your dear hubby Tommy who miss you everyday. Much love to you always, Bernadette

Roy Schmidt

October 18, 2019

I only met her a few times and certainly enjoyed our brief chats.

Caryl Ehlert

January 4, 2017

Helen was an amazingly warm spirit. I loved our exchanges on golf and business every year when we met. I only recently saw that she had passed. My thoughts and prayers go out to Tom and his family.

Bernadette Kelly

December 28, 2016

Helen, thanks so much for brightening my life, thinking of you especially during this holiday season. Lots of love to you, Bernie xo

December 25, 2016

what a wonderful friend, enjoyed many hours with Tom and Helen, both business and personal. Jerry Fusek , [email protected]

December 24, 2016

God speed Helen. A marvelous lady, and true friend, and a spectacular competitor. You will be missed by many.
Hugs Tom,

Maggie and Mike

Virginia Conley

October 24, 2016

Oh dear, I didn't expect this. Joe forwarded the notice.

So glad to have the memory of spending time with Helen at the Plymouth Art Center. She was a delight and always interesting and fun. The world was a better place for having her in it. I'm so sorry for your great loss. Hugs.

Virginia

Beranadette Kelly

October 24, 2016

Will miss you Helen, love Bern xo

HENRY SMITH

October 23, 2016

Helen's bright spirit is now a star above to light our way

Roy Schmidt

October 23, 2016

Only knew your Mom for one short year. Every time I saw her whether at your home or at an event , she had a big smile for me. The kind of smile one does not forget. Give your Dad a hug for me. Love, tico

Sherry Erdmann

October 23, 2016

I was honored to meet Helen (and Tom and Pam) through my husband, Al Erdmann, who was part of the Ferderbar team in West Allis. She was a very dear lady who will be sorely missed. I'm sure Al, Helen and Marta are all having a happy reunion up in Heaven. Loving thoughts and deep sympathy to Tom, Pam and the Roach family.

Pamela Vidovic

October 23, 2016

We had the joy of meeting her only recently for the first time. Although it was just an online chat, she smiled through the entire conversation, and that is how we shall remember her. Deepest condolences on the passing of lovely Helen from the Vidovic family in Croatia.

Fish fry with the Ferderbars, September 2014

Randall Scherrer

October 23, 2016

I loved and was privileged to know Helen Ferderbar for 47 years. As the wife of my first professional boss, Tom, and the mother of my dear friend, Pam, I am deeply saddened by her passing. But I will cherish her memory always. Everyone who was graced by her presence was blessed by the experience.

Mick Mlinar

October 23, 2016

Outstanding lady...outstanding life...the world has lost another little piece of goodness.

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