Helen C. Wengert
January 15, 1931 – July 13, 2024
Helen Switzer Wengert joined her Heavenly family on July 13. She was surrounded by her children, grandchildren, and their spouses for one last Friday Pizza Night, full of laughter and watching years of memories on her picture screen before she passed.
Helen was born on January 15, 1931, at the family-run hotel in Weeping Water, Nebraska. She was doted upon by three older and beloved brothers, who left a little girl to serve in WWII, and returned to find a bright young woman with an extraordinary gift of gathering extended family and friends into a tight bond of love.
She grew up in Valley, Nebraska, and graduated high school in Fremont in 1949. After attending Midland College, she worked in the loan department of Fremont National Bank. She met her future love, Jim Wengert, at the Fremont Presbyterian church, starting a life-long devotion to husband and church.
Wherever she lived, she was the builder and nurturer of families. As a Navy wife, she drew family and friends together to ease long absences because she was genuine, empathetic, and cared more about others than herself.
She loved music and social events. She was a voracious reader who loved learning new things and sharing the joy of learning them with others. She devoted herself to her children, Dan and Cathy. School, sports, music, dance, theater, literature, church, and more were tirelessly encouraged and supported. Later in life, she enjoyed a renaissance as “Grandma-On-Call.” Whether it was kids walking across the street to her home for snacks, playing nurse on a sick day, or schlepping them anywhere, anytime, for anything, she was the family bedrock.
Helen was a member of Countryside Church for 58 years, where she served on numerous boards and helped with countless events. Her passion to help others lead to her certification as a Stephens Minister, where she lent her genuine and loving personality to support and counsel those in need. She was also a long-time member of the ED chapter of the PEO, where she built lifelong friendships and mentored hundreds of young women.
Helen was preceded in life by husband, James; parents, Daniel and Augusta; and her beloved brothers, Leonard, Ronald and Rich.
She is survived by her children, Dan (Leigh) and Cathy (Mike); grandchildren: Chris (Katie), Matt (Cassie), Rachel (Quinn), Nathan and Lauryn (Greg); and her great-grands, Julian and Eleonor.
A private family interment was held at Fremont Memorial Cemetery on Monday, July 15th. A celebration of life for all will be held at a future date here in Omaha. As Helen devoted her life to finding joy and sharing it with others, the family asks that you do the same. Go out and do something that brings you joy and help those around you feel the same. If you feel so moved, reach out and tell us about it, or another joyful time shared with Helen.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you remember Helen with a donation to Countryside Community Church in her name.
14 Comments
I have known Helen virtually my entire life. She was, and is, such a wonderful, dear woman. I always thought of her as the quintessential mom. She is loved and will be missed.
Thanks Doug for your kind words. Few have known and cherished my mother as long as you have
When I was working at Walnut Grove, I had the privilege of cleaning your mother’s apartment. It has been a good 5+ years since I last saw her, but I never forgot her beautiful soul and spirit. Peace to her family.
My family lived across the street from the Wengerts’ on Brookside for many years. They were wonderful neighbors! Helen and her family were a blessing to the whole neighborhood. I send our condolences to Danny and Kathy from Ruth, Kevin, Kelly and Karin. Peace, Helen🙏
I am so sorry to hear about Helen. I am honored to have known her and am saddened by her passing. My heart goes out to her entire family. Dan and Leigh, Cathy and Mike, you are all in my prayers.
thanks Tom. Life celebration Friday Sept 6 at Countryside church. more detail to follow
Cathy – I was very sorry to learn about the death of your mother. What a remarkable life and a lasting legacy that she left her family and friends. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. All my best wishes, Esther Scarpello
I so enjoyed reading more about your wonderful mom. Her gift of giving and spreading joy and nurture continue on through you Cathy. Like Helen, my folks also attended Countryside Church for many years and were Stephen Ministers as well, so likely they had the blessing of knowing your mom. I sure hope they did, she surely was a light to all she knew. Sending you and Mike and the whole family much love and many prayers for God’s comfort and grace as you say goodbye and cherish the memories of Helen’s life so well lived.
Sending love and thoughts from family. Helen and Jim came to football games at UIowa and for events with Jim’s family “clan”, who were a rowdy bunch. Most of these times were in the mid 50’s to the 70’s, but some later. At that time, it was mostly the women doing the kitchen prep/cooking, so that is where the personalities of my ‘aunts’ shone. Helen was always smiling, never needing to be the center of attention, but calmly being in the midst of the fray. She was always kind. Now, decades later and still being still connected with the next generation and the next of her family, it is clear that her gifts of love, compassion and goodness live on with them. She was a wonderful person.
Helen Wengert was one of my “College Moms” – During the 1980s at Nebraska Wesleyan U. — When I was her son, Dan’s, college roommate & fraternity brother. Great family — The Wengert Tribe…
Helen & Doc were why. The only person that I know who may be just as kind and thoughtful as Helen was, is my own dear mother. ✝️🙏🏾☮️
helen and kate are one of a kinds
Helen’s smile could light up the room. Dan and Cathy (along with your families) I am so sorry for your loss. She was a blessing in my life and I was honored to be a part of her journey. She will always hold a special place in my heart. Sending thoughts, prayers and hugs to you all.
Tiffany,
Thank you for taking such good care of mom. She adored you. Her celebration of Life will be September 6 at 5:30 – Countryside Community Church reception hall.
To Dan and Cathy::
I have many fond memories of your growing up years on Brookside Avenue with my four children. We shared many family events together Your mother always was such a gracious and gentile presence. I greatly appreciated her caring ways. My deepest condolences to you and your families.
Sign Guestbook