Helen Cecilia Gathje

Macken Funeral Home Memorial Photo
Date of Birth:
Wednesday, March 28, 1934
Date of Death:
Saturday, February 6, 2021
Age:
86 years old

Visitation

Date: Tuesday February 09, 2021
Time: 9:30 am - 10:30 am

Location: St. Pius X Catholic Church [ view map ]

Funeral Service

Date: Tuesday February 09, 2021
Time: 10:30 am

Location: St. Pius X Catholic Church [ view map ]

Burial

Location: Calvary Cemetery [ view map ]

Live Stream

Click Here to View the Live Stream

Macken Funeral Home Memorial Photo
Date of Birth:
Wednesday, March 28, 1934
Date of Death:
Saturday, February 6, 2021
Age:
86 years old
Macken Funeral Home Memorial Photo
Date of Birth:
Wednesday, March 28, 1934
Date of Death:
Saturday, February 6, 2021
Age:
86 years old

Helen Cecilia Gathje

Helen Cecilia (Weis) Gathje passed away peacefully at The Waters on Mayowood in Rochester on February 6, 2021 with her six children by her side.

Helen was born on March 28, 1934 in Rochester, MN to John and Cecilia (Mueller) Weis. She graduated from Lourdes High School in 1952.

Helen met the love of her life at the Pla Mor Ballroom where the two of them loved to dance. She married Ronald E. Gathje on June 12, 1954. Together they raised six children.

Her primary vocation was being a mother, but she also worked for many years as a playground supervisor at St. Pius X Grade School, then went to work at the Wise Owl Thrift Shop, National Bushing, and finally at Weis Builders, working with her brother Joe Weis.

Helen was an avid reader of good books, played in a number of bridge clubs for over 40 years, loved crossword puzzles, and most importantly loved and supported her children at all their Track and Cross-Country events. She was a member of St. Pius X Catholic Church choir, a Girl Scout leader, and a Cub Scout leader. She was a member of St. Pius X Catholic Church for over sixty years.

Helen is survived by her six children: Steve (Laurie), Peter (Kathleen), Donna (Dave) Mueller, John (Melissa), Jim (Jeanne), and Mike (Lu); her eighteen grandchildren; her eleven great-grandchildren; and her sisters-in-law Darlene Weis and Opal Weis.

She is preceded in death by her parents John and Cecilia Weis; her six siblings Leo, Eugene, Joe, Clara (Yerke), Joan (Carlise), and Mary (Huinker).

Following Covid guidelines, a Mass of Christian Burial will be held Tuesday, February 9, 2021 at 10:30AM at St. Pius X Catholic Church in Rochester, with Rev. Russell Scepaniak officiating. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the Mass at church. Interment will be at Calvary Catholic Cemetery in Rochester. The service will be live streamed on the St. Pius X YouTube channel at: https://youtu.be/PVVTdDjA2-s

The family prefers memorial donations to be made to Lourdes Development Ron and Helen Gathje Tuition scholarship, Seasons Hospice, or St. Pius X Catholic Church.

The family would like to express their deepest appreciation to The Waters on Mayowood and Seasons Hospice for their wonderful care for Helen.

Condolences

The family of Helen Cecilia Gathje has received the following condolences.

Dear Steve, Pete, Donna, John, Jim and Mike,


It was with sadness that I heard of your mom's passing.  My heart goes out to you in your sorrow.  We were so lucky to grow up in our neighborhood of caring adults including your dear mom and dad.  I'm thankful for the safe and loving space they made for all us neighborhood kids.  My dad and I really enjoyed a few visits we had with your mom at the old house and at The Waters.  She was so proud to tell us about all of you and your families.  I got such a kick out of how she kept up with us on Facebook with her kind, funny and encouraging comments.  I was really touched to see Helen and Donna at to my dad's funeral.  Know that the Riley's have been remembering the Gathjes with happy remembrances of your family and especially your dear mom.  


In sympathy,


Peggy Riley

John. Sorry to hear about your mom's passing. I remember her wonderful smile and the way she helped  so much with school and church . My prayers and thoughts are with you all!  My your memories  help you get through this tough time!!


Blessing to you all


Barb (kolb) Schultz

Donna, Dave, and family, 


We are so sorry to hear of your mom’s passing. We watched the live stream of the funeral today from Arizona. Listening to all your comments certainly reflected the great person she was, and the wonderful mom and grandmother she was to all of you. 
Please know our prayers are with you all.


Mike and Deb Lawler

Donna, Dave and family 


We wish to express our deepest sympathy.   Your mom sounded like a really cool mom.  I was able join in the liturgy, which was very nice and the words that were shared for her eulogy spoke of who she was in her life.   May God bless all of you and hold on to the beautiful memories of your mom and dad.

I was so happy to have met Helen at the cousin reunion. I love her sparkle and spritely personality.


I hope today and all the days are spent with remembrances of a beautiful and strong life lived with humor and love.


All my love to you all on this day.


Elizabeth Landers (daughter of Connie, granddaughter of Florence and Ken)

Farewell, Helen. Thank you for the memories and all the love that you gave me. Rest easy. Love you. 

She was an amazing grandmother to whom I owe many memories, life experiences, and life lessons simply from being by her side. I love her with all my being and will miss her dearly. 

Steve, Laurie and the whole family, we wanted to let you know you are all in our prayers.   Take peace in knowing that she is in God's loving hands now.    


John and Marion Troast

To the Gathje family I would like to extend my deepest sympathy, She was a wonderful classmate and lady. A friend indeed.Many remarkable times in our high school years.She will be greatly missed.

My deepest condolences to all your family. I remember Helen’s laugh and easy going manner whenever my mother, Viola Jahn, would take us to Weis family gatherings. Helen always made sure to include us in activities. 
May happy memories help ease the pain you feel now.

You are in my thoughts and prayers.

I want to send my condolences to the family.

Praying for the family of Helen. She was one of the best residents at the waters. I loved sitting with her, and she’s telling me stories about childhood, family. She will be deeply missed. My thoughts are prayers are with you during this very difficult time 

To the Gathje Kids,


Really enjoyed the great lady, our neighbor Helen. Have to chuckle when thinking back to Helen hollering so loud, you could hear her all over the stadium at sports events.


She will be missed. Our prayers are with you.


Bill & Joan

Donna, Dave & family, 


We are so sorry for your loss.  We loved getting to know Helen through Facebook posts. Jerry talks about how he did handyman work for her. She so proud to tell him how she raised 5 boys & one girl in that  home. She said Donna was the only one with her own bedroom?. He really liked talking to her. 


Praying that your hearts heal quickly.  ?


Ruth & Jerry

Helen was a great lady and mother. I’ll never forget that she stopped to wish me condolences when my mom passed. That meant a lot to me.  I’m keeping your family in my thoughts and prayers.