Helen Anna Fantl

Helen A. Fantl was born on November 13, 1919 in Faulkton, SD the daughter of John M. and Catherine (Henkel) Gebhart. Helen followed a sister to Milwaukee, Wisconsin where she became a secretary and met her future husband. On November 14, 1958 Helen was married to Raymond Fantl in Milwaukee, WI. She became the loving mother of Jim, Bill, Jack and Peter. Following Raymond's death Helen attended Mount Sinai School of Nursing in Milwaukee, WI, and received her nursing degree. Helen was an artist and had a passion for Norwegian rosemaling with a particular talent for china painting. Decorah had all that was needed to pursue her interest and so she moved in 1975. After moving to Decorah she worked as a nurse at Winneshiek Memorial Hospital until her retirement. Helen was a member of Northeast Iowa Rosemalers Association, Norse Rosemaling Association, World Organization of China Painters and she was a member of the Vesterheim Museum. She also enjoyed flower and vegetable gardening. She was an avid birdwatcher; a world traveler and enjoyed hearing Luciano Pavarotti perform. Helen died on March 21, 2012 at Aase Haugen Home in Decorah, IA at the age of 92 years. Helen was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Ray; four sons: Jim, Bill, Jack and Peter Fantl; and 9 sisters and brothers. Helen is the proud grandmother of: Peter (Michelle) Fantl of Sussex, WI, David (Karen) Fantl of Somers, WI, Steve (Polly) Fantl of Erin, WI, Mark (Sue) Fantl of West Allis, WI, Carol (Scott) Ladwig of Waukesha, WI,Judy (Crispy) Steingold of Franksville, WI, Danny Fantl of Milwaukee, Charlene Chapman of Wauwatosa, WI, and the late Ken (Eda) Fantl of Oconomowoc. She is also survived by great grandchildren; nieces, nephews and friends. Services will be held on Friday, March 30, 2012 at: Church and Chapel, 1875 N. Calhoun Rd. in Brookfield, WI Memorials may be sent to Aase Haugen Home, 4 Ohio Street, Decorah, IA 52101