Helen M. Schilz

Helen M. Schilz (nee Fliss), age 97 of Oconomowoc, entered eternal life on Monday, March 16, 2015. Helen was the loving mother of Carol (Tom) Pinter of Oconomowoc, Robert (Kathryn) Schilz of Shaker Heights, OH and daughter-in-law Mary Schilz of Kenosha. Helen loved babies and children and was blessed with 4 grandchildren; Keith (Barbara) PInter of Naples, FL, David (Robyn) Schilz of Kenosha, Julia and Laura Schilz of Shaker Heights, OH and 6 great-grandchildren; Lauren and Allison Pinter of Naples, FL and Jude, Carter, Kealy and Olivia Schilz of Kenosha. She is also survived by 10 nieces, 3 nephews and many friends at Shorehaven and in Oconomowoc. Helen was adopted as 'Grandma Helen' by the extended Pinter family. Helen is preceded in death by her beloved daughter Mary Jean Schilz, husband Gene Schilz, son James Schilz, sister Tilla Elwood, brothers Carl and Edward Fliss, nieces and goddaughters Pamela Elwood and Sara Fliss-Henessy. In high school, Helen was known as 'the girl who is always ready to help'. Helen continued to be helpful and very active into her 90's. She volunteered as school nurse for 17 years at St. Jerome School, was a volunteer at Oconomowoc Memorial Hospital, volunteered as a Girl Scout & Cub Scount leader and held a leadership role in the following organizations: Vice President of St. Jerome Home & School Association, President of the Women's Golf League at Oconomowoc Golf Club and President of the Women's Curling League at Kettle Moraine Curling Club. Helen was proud of her role in the Wisconsin State Legislature's approving of school busing for parochial schools. She was a lifelong learner, learning how to drive a car at 40 and to ride a bike at 65. She loved gardening, yard work and rode a riding mower into her late 70's. Helen enjoyed listening to big band music. While residing at Shorehaven, Helen actively supported many kinds of activities. She loved greeting new comers, delivering mail to the residents and organizing the library in the assisted living unit. Helen walked outside 2-3 times daily, actively recruiting other residents to keep fit. Helen was well known by family and friends for her tasty homemade pies, cakes and torts as well as her homemade raspberry jam. She continued her baking skills at Shorehaven well into her 90's. Helen enjoyed playing Scrabble with friends and sheepshead with her family. She also enjoyed the boating activities at Shorehaven. 'Thanks Grandma Helen for sharing your generosity and love of life with your family and friends.' A Mass of Resurrection for Helen will be held at the Shorehaven 3rd floor chapel in Oconomowoc on Saturday, March 28, 2015 at 10:00 AM. Visitation for family and friends will be from 9:00 AM until the time of the Mass to be led by Father John Yockey. Burial will follow Mass at St. Jerome Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials in Helen's name can be made to St. Jerome School or Shorehaven.