Helen E. Osen

Helen (Kitzerow) Osen, 95, of De Pere, passed away on November 14, 2025. She was born June 5, 1930 in Brown County to the late Arnold Kitzerow and Dorothea (Kiekhaefer) Kitzerow. On December 8, 1956 she married Roy A. Osen at Zion Lutheran Church, Morrison. Helen graduated from De Pere High School in 1948. Music, faith in God and service guided her life and work.

A charter member of the Morrison 4-H Club, she ultimately became an Outstanding 4-H Junior Leader in Wisconsin.

She loved being an organist at Hope Lutheran Church for over 65 years, an organist at Redeemer Lutheran Church for 13 years and the pianist for the Redeemer Lutheran Church Checkerette Kitchen Band for over 20 years.

She grew up on a dairy farm. Prior to getting married, she worked at the State Bank of De Pere. She also was many times 'on call' for her husband's business and many other things.

For 10 years, doing school census, she walked half of East De Pere and met many wonderful people.

Bowling (a league secretary); bridge; PTA; De Pere Christian Outreach (30 years plus; board member for many); Senior Hopefuls luncheons: Her life was filled with cherished friendships. And, baking and cooking brought blue ribbons and truly thousands who enjoyed her 'treats.'

She helped raise money for the new East De Pere H.S. football stadium, numerous church and school projects and the DPCO food pantry. She also volunteered through the Commission on Aging, Heritage Hill and Hazelwood.

Helen is survived by her children: David (Julie) Osen, Mark Osen, Lisa Osen and John (Dr. Jean) Osen; grandkids: Lauren (Michael) Dewhurst and Eric Osen; great step-grandchild: Caitlyn Dewhurst; Godchild: Diane Laabs and nieces/nephews and their families and friends.

Helen was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Roy, brothers Elmer and Ralph Kitzerow and her same generation in-laws.

Service at Hope Lutheran Church, 700 S. Superior St., De Pere on November 22, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. with visitation from 9:00 to 10:45 a.m. Burial at De Pere Greenwood Cemetery. Cotter Funeral and Cremation Care is assisting the family.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to: Women of Hope, DPCO Food Pantry, St. Vincent Hospital Oncology Department or your own charity.