Helen F. Lau, 96, formerly of Merrill, died peacefully on March 24, 2014, at Sacred Heart Hospital, Eau Claire, with her daughters at her side.
Helen was born on November 29, 1917, in the Town of Pine River, Lincoln County, daughter of the late Karl and Helena (Boettcher) Karau. Helen was baptized and confirmed at St. Stephen’s United Church of Christ, Merrill. On November 2, 1940, Helen married John P. Lau, at Stephen’s United Church of Christ. He preceded her in death on January 13, 2006. Prior to her marriage, Helen had worked as a housekeeper in Milwaukee. After their marriage, Helen and John owned and operated a farm in the Town of Schley, Lincoln County. Later, Helen worked as the head cook at Pine Crest Nursing Home, Merrill, and had also cooked at Skipper’s Restaurant, Merrill. Helen then enjoyed working for the David Smith, Sr. Family, who she loved and respected. Helen enjoyed sewing, crafting, working on puzzles, baking, and cooking. After she retired, Helen enjoyed volunteering her time with the Ladies Aid at St. Stephens Church. Helen was also a ‘Grey Lady’ with the Red Cross Volunteers at Pine Crest Nursing Home, serving in that capacity through the age of 85. After leaving Merrill, Helen resided with her daughters for several years. While in Eau Claire, Helen enjoyed the Senior Bible Study at Peace Lutheran Church, and attending activities at the L.E. Phillips Senior Center. Her final home was made at Grace Edgewood Assisted Living and Grace Edgewood Memory Care in Altoona, where she was provided with loving care givers. While at Grace Edgewood, Helen enjoyed visits with family and friends from the Merrill and Eau Claire areas.
Helen is survived by her twin daughters, Marjorie Burns of Fond du Lac, and Kathleen (William) Briggs of Eau Claire; one granddaughter, Jacquelyn (Brian) Mann of Scottsdale, Arizona; and one great grandson, Weston Mann. Helen was looking forward to being blessed with a great granddaughter in May. She is also survived by many nieces and nephews. Besides her husband and parents, Helen was preceded in death by her son-in-law, Thomas Burns; and eleven siblings.
The funeral service will be at 4:30 P.M. on Friday, April 4, 2014, at the Taylor-Stine Funeral Home, Merrill. Visitation will begin at 3:00 P.M. Friday at the funeral home. Burial will take place Saturday morning, April 5, at Merrill Memorial Park Cemetery.
Online condolences may be made at www.taylorstinefuneralhome.com