Helen Marie Wanty

Helen M. Wanty, 96, passed away on March 25, 2026. She was born on June 13, 1929, in Georgia, the daughter of Emmett and Hessie Cole. Helen was united in marriage to L.A. “Bud” Wanty on November 30, 1945, in Atlanta, GA, and Bud preceded her in death on January 19, 2000. She was a member of St. Mary Parish, Menasha.

Helen spent endless time sewing, painting, and crafting. Her passion was sewing. Countless hours were devoted to sewing clothing for her children, and many other projects. During Covid19, Helen sewed 1700 fabric face masks that were distributed across the Fox Valley. She also enjoyed time with her friends playing cards and bingo. In 1967, the City of Menasha recognized her as the Mother’s Day Queen, and she acted as a mother to many over the years. Helen will be remembered most for her generous heart and humble personality.

Helen is survived by her 7 children: Joan (Fred) Reichelt, John (Joan Grace) Wanty, James (Patsy) Wanty, Jeff Wanty, Joe (Anne) Wanty, Jay Wanty, and Jill (Al) Schmidt; 15 grandchildren: Tim, Ben, Sam, Elizabeth, Josh, Jeff, Kate, Ryan, Jerry, Jake, Charlie, Cory, Adam, Quinn, and Trisha; 18 great grandchildren; a son-in-law: Richard Kosiorek; other relatives and friends.

In addition to her husband and parents, Helen was further preceded in death by 2 daughters: Janel Wanty and Judy Kosiorek; and 4 siblings: James, Cecil, Mildred, and Kate.

Funeral service for Helen will be held at 11AM, on Friday, April 10, 2026, at the Wichmann Funeral Home, Laemmrich Chapel, 312 Milwaukee St., Menasha. Visitation will be on Friday at the chapel from 9AM until the time of the service. Interment will be in St. Mary Cemetery, Menasha. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are appreciated to the Salvation Army.

Helen’s family would like to express a heartfelt thank you to the staff of Compassus Hospice Care for their excellent care, compassion, and kindness.