Helen Jewell Robbe

Helen Jewell Robbe, age 98, of Hartford, Wisconsin, passed away peacefully on December 22, 2025.
Helen was born on September 5th, 1927, to parents Roy and Ida (Olson) Coffeen.
Growing up with four brothers, herself being the only daughter, provided Helen a love for football at a young age. According to a statement made recently to us, she prided herself on being a "fast runner" and very competitive. After one too many pairs of broken glasses, her mother put an end to that short-lived, illustrious career and pushed her toward the more unscathing sport of ice skating. Music and singing were also a large part of her childhood. In fact, Rhythm Rambles was a favorite radio station that she introduced to her younger brother, Peter. The two of them would spend countless lunch hours "bebopping" around to the likes of Dizzy Gillespie and later, Dick Ruedebusch. Helen worked summers as a camp counselor as well as a water safety instructor. Activities involving helping others from a young age on became a gift she carried with her throughout her life.
Helen's ability to "achieve" and always being open to trying new things, didn't limit her hobbies as they were many and varied throughout her lifetime. Of course, some were more public, including her 35 years spent as a volunteer for the Hospital Auxillary. Helen was also a member of the Hartford Garden Club, involved with her church in whatever way possible, and joined any women's bridge club that would have her. Helen loved to cook and bake. She was able to share many recipes with anyone that wanted them. She had a love for sewing and in her spare time rosemaling (Norwegian painting) became her favorite. Golfing with Jim later in life was something they could finally share together. They also played bridge with friends most dear to them and created memories they cherished and laughed about.
Helen was in one word, "resilient". Married to a hardworking, on-the-road construction worker meant the brunt of raising five children was on her shoulders. There was never a question as to who ruled the roost and as a result we never felt a lack of structure or discipline.
What should have been a life of luxury in retirement, unfortunately proved to be anything but. One last time, our ever-resilient mother devoted herself to caring for the love of her life in a manner neither of them had planned for. Their love and devotion would once again endure. Upon his passing, she devoted herself to volunteering. Helping wherever she could with a warm meal, a heartfelt prayer, a laugh or an open door.
After her passing, we found a book she wrote in. An entry that stood out to us the most said, "Family meant the world to me." Dad told the family to "take care of mom", and had written, "they surely did that and more!"
Helen is survived by her loving children Royce (Donna), John (Ken), Jay (Francie) and Angie; brother Pete Coffeen; grandchildren Luke (Amanda, Ann (Steve), Clare (Alex), Sarah, Jenna (Clint), Jamie (Derek) and Helena; great-grandchildren Teagen, Luka, Cam, Brooks, Beau, Lilly, Jackson, Noah, Ky and Aniyah. She is also survived by many cherished nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.
Helen is preceded in death by her faithful husband Jim; son Scott; brother-in-law Steve Getz; parents Roy and Ida; and siblings Chuck, Davis, and Hale.
We want to acknowledge and thank her caregivers Cheryl, Patty, MaryJo, Jean and Polly as well as the nursing staff on the 3rd floor at the Aurora Hartford Hospital in addition to Dr. Tebo. The level of care you showed our mother in this time of need will never be forgotten.
A celebration of life gathering will be held at the Hartford Square clubhouse, ( 400 Hartford Square, Hartford, WI 53027) April 25th, 2026, from 1:00pm - 4:00pm.