Helen Fitz

On August 24, 2025 Helen Fitz passed peacefully. She was 92 years old. Born March 26, 1933 in Bloomington, Nebraska, to Ross and Daphne Hecht, Helen had a happy childhood growing up on a rural family farm with her sister, Loretta and brother, Bernie. She participated in 4-H activities, earning blue ribbons for her sewing skills. She loved to play the piano and as a young teenager Helen became a pianist at the Methodist Church in Chapman, Nebraska.

Helen graduated from the University of Nebraska in 1955 and then completed her Dietician internship in Portland, Oregon. Helen married Donald J Fitz in 1957. Married for 67 years, they spent their early years in La Habra, California where Helen taught at Whittier College. Together they raised their 3 children: Steven, Janet and Dale. Many memorable family vacations were spent camping at the beach, in the mountains or deserts.

In 1974, they relocated to East Grand Rapids, Michigan. Helen worked as a Dietician at the Grand Rapids Osteopathic Hospital, retiring as Head Dietician many years later. Helen was a band-mom and never missed a performance. She became an active member of the Eastminster Presbyterian Church and later, St. Paul's Methodist Church, serving in many capacities throughout the years. Upon retirement, Helen and Don spent summers at their delightful cottage in Montague, Michigan, hosting many family gatherings at the lake. In the winter, they traveled to destinations including Peru, New Zealand, the Netherlands, and the Greek Islands. Helen and Don enjoyed meeting local people and experiencing different cultures. Helen was an original 'life-long learner'!

Preceded in death by her beloved family members: sister Loretta, niece Laura Beth and grandson Kai, Helen is survived by her loving husband Donald, brother Bernie, and her children Steven Fitz (Eileen), Janet Wilkie (David), Dale Fitz (Sabine); 5 grandchildren: Erin Findley (Trent), Scott Wilkie (Addie), Ethan Fitz (Harley), Jane Fitz, and Kyra Fitz; and 5 great-grandchildren: Hazel, Quinn and Calvin Findley, Fitz and Mack Wilkie.

Helen will be greatly missed. A woman who never forgot a birthday or anniversary and always sent a thoughtful card with a cheerful note. She was empathetic, hopeful, encouraging, loving, and accepting. As Helen would put it "Life is all about love, just love."

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to:
Blue Lake Public Radio at Donate - Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp
Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp at Donate - Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp