Helen Stern Obituary

HELEN STERN, 72 SAYNER, Wis. - Helen Stern, 72, formerly of Kenosha, passed away Monday, July 12, 2010, surrounded by her loving family, in her residence in Sayner. Born July 31, 1937, in Kenosha, to the late Mack and Edith (Post) Hoey. She was educated in the schools of Kenosha. Married Roy Stern on Sept. 1, 1956, in St. James Catholic Church in Kenosha. Former member of St. James Catholic Church. Helen's working career started during high school. She became a nurses aide at St. Catherine's Hospital and worked there until she got married. After her marriage, she worked at the Spot Restaurant while she attended school part-time at Gateway. Helen graduated as an LPN in 1968 from Gateway. Shortly thereafter, she went back to St. Catherine's Hospital and also worked as a nurse on weekends at AMC. In 1978, she became the first woman electrician apprentice at AMC. Then in 1979 she became the first woman industrial electrician apprentice in AMC history and also became a grandmother at the same time. She worked at AMC/Chrysler for 20 years, retiring in 1999 at the Belvidere plant. In 2000, she moved up north to Sayner and opened the M&M Café. Helen also became an EMT in 2003. Her greatest joy in life was spending time with her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She also enjoyed watching and feeding the three families of deer that came to her backyard. To pass the time she enjoyed etching glass, oil painting, and crocheting. Member of Local 72 and was of the Lioness Club in the North Woods. Surviving are sons, Patrick Stern of Kenosha, Randy Stern of Belvidere, Ill., and John Stern of Sayner; daughter, Catherine of Kenosha; longtime companion, Carlos Espinoza; brother, Paul Ziegler of Portage; sisters, Doris (Ray) Zeith of Burlington and Mary Hoey of Kenosha; grandchildren, Crystal, Johnny and Raymond Stern, Destini (David) Myrum, Nicole (Eric) Jovanovic and Roy Newman; and eight great-grandchildren. Predeceased also by husband, Roy in 1992; son, Roy; and sister, Barbara Bahr. Mass of Christian Burial at 1 p.m. Monday, July 19, in St. James Catholic Church, 5804 Sheridan Road. Helen's family is requesting family and friends to meet at the church for Mass. Visitation from 2 to 5 p.m. Sunday, July 18, in Bruch Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, memorials would be appreciated to the American Cancer Society. Arrangements by Bruch Funeral Home, 3503 Roosevelt Road, Kenosha, WI 53142, 262-652-8298. Visit Helen's Online Memorial Book at bruchfuneral home.net.