Helen Edna (Niemtschk) Scheer was called home to her heavenly Father on November 1, 2020, at the age of 92. She was born on June 13, 1928, in Thorndale, Texas, to Emil and Adele (Kramer) Niemtschk. She became a child of God through holy baptism as an infant and was confirmed at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Thorndale, Texas in 1941. She graduated from Thorndale High School in 1945; then worked as a telephone operator and also at Duets’ Variety Store. She was married to her loving husband, Elwood Scheer, July 12, 1947, for almost 56 years. In 1950, they moved to Austin. Helen worked as a library clerk for 21 years at McCallum High then at Anderson High School. Helen was a faithful member of Trinity Lutheran Church where she loved singing in the choir and enjoyed making calls and visits to members of Trinity and others. She taught Sunday School and Vacation Bible School for many years and member of the Ladies Aid and Lutheran Layman’s League. Helen was also a member of the Austin Retired Teachers and Texas Retired Teachers associations. She loved her family and friends and enjoyed playing the piano, accordion, dominos, and bingo.
Helen’s family has a rich Texas Lutheran heritage with deep roots at Concordia University. Along with a son, two grandsons, nephews, and nieces who attended Concordia, and an aunt who was the school nurse many years ago. Her grandfather Rev. A. W. Kramer was the first president of the Texas District LCMS (1906-1909) and he was the namesake of Kramer Hall on the original Concordia Campus. Helen was one of five family members who donated books written by Martin Luther to Concordia.
Preceding her in death were her parents, husband Elwood, son Gary Scheer; sister, Leona Buchorn and husband Benny; Mildred Patschke and husband Reinhold; Fayrene Menzel and husband Clarence; brothers Marvin Niemtschk; Leroy Niemtschk and wife Elyne. She is survived by daughter, Dianne Lockingen husband Iben, son Randy Scheer and wife Jil; daughter in law, Carol Scheer; 5 grandchildren, Aric Lockingen and wife Stephanie; Kevin Lockingen and wife Theresa; and Dustin Lockingen; Chista Lincke and husband John; and Olivia Scheer; 6 great grandchildren-Abigail and Adam Lockingen; Lyla and Kinsley Lockingen; John and Nathan Lincke; and sister in law Ruby Schroeder and husband Norris; also many nephews and nieces and friends.
Visitation will be at Cook-Walden Funeral Home on Friday, November 6, 2020 from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM. Funeral Service will be at 1:00 PM at Trinity Lutheran church in Austin, Texas on Saturday, November 7, 2020 with Pastor Paul Harris officiating. Burial to immediately follow at Cook-Walden Capital Parks Cemetery.
Pallbearers will be Aric, Kevin, and Dustin Lockingen, Olivia Scheer, Michael Niemtschk, and Allen Menzel. Honorary Pallbearer Jerry Patschke.
Memorial contributions may be given to Trinity Lutheran Church, Lutheran Hour Ministries, Concordia University or Lutheran World Relief.
The family would like to thank the doctors and staff at Wells Point Lodge Assisted Living in Pflugerville, Texas for their loving care as well as the doctors and nursing staff at Seton Williamson County in Round Rock, Texas and the Texas Home Health agency.
