Helen Elaine Lehnertz

Helen was born on the family farm in Minnesota on December 23, 1926. She was the second oldest and only daughter of Harry and Gladys Richardson. Helen graduated from Canby High School in 1944. She worked at a variety of jobs including waitress, optician assistant and dental assistant. Her last 25 years of work were for Dadant Bee Supplies as secretary and office manager.

On December 14, 1945, Helen was married to George Lehnertz in Boyd MN. In 1954, they bought a new house on Olive Street in Sioux City where they raised their three children. Helen continued to live there after her husband’s death in 1999. In 2004, she moved into a condo at Sunrise Retirement Community in Sioux City. She moved to Maine in 2020 and resided at Schooner Estates since April 2021.

Helen’s faith provided her with life-long strength. She was a member of Morningside Presbyterian Church for 70 years. Through the years, she served on several committees and boards, taught Sunday and Bible schools, attended yearly Presbyterian Women conferences, and was a member of Rebecca Circle. She was named Presbyterian Woman of the year in 2002. Helen continued to be a member (the church name changed to Faith United) at the time of her death. After moving to Maine, she continued to attend church services through Facebook. Helen’s church family kept in touch with frequent calls, cards, and letters.

Helen loved to volunteer in order to help others. She volunteered during the NAIA women’s basketball playoffs in Sioux City; the yearly Siouxland Humane Society’s caramel apple fundraiser; Sunrise Retirement Community events (including 3 years as president); Sioux City Art Splash events; and many church-related fundraising events.

Helen’s love of and expertise at cooking and baking was legendary. She donated her time by organizing, preparing, and serving meals after church meetings, funerals, and the church’s yearly Thanksgiving dinner. When she was no longer able to do “everything,” she was still there to supervise!

Helen loved to travel. She visited all 50 states, Canada, Mexico, and several Caribbean islands. Helen greatly enjoyed playing cards and board games; she excelled at Bridge and Rummikub. At Schooner, it would be an understatement to say that Helen liked keeping busy. She rarely missed Bingo, LRC, music events, manicures, and Thursday’s social hour. Helen never left her apartment without having her jewelry and shoes match her outfit. Helen most of all enjoyed visits from her family, including frequent visits with Susan and Steve’s chihuahua, Penny.

Helen is survived by sons Gary (and Margi) Lehnertz of West Palm Beach FL; and Bruce (and Stephon) Sanders Lehnertz of Des Moines IA; daughter Susan (and Steve) Vatcher of Lewiston ME; brother Kenneth Richardson of Port St. Lucie FL; grandchildren Christopher, Kathryn, Kristin, and Amanda; and seven great-grandchildren. She was predeceased by her parents, husband, and three brothers.

A celebration of life service will be held at Schooner Estates in the Tenants Harbor Room on Friday, March 21, 2025, at 10 a.m., followed by light refreshments. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, AndWell Health Partners, or Susan G. Komen Cancer Center.

Helen’s family wishes to thank the wonderful staff and residents at Schooner Estates who opened their arms and welcomed her like family at the young age of 94. The family is also very thankful for the terrific care provided over the past year by Andwell Health Partners hospice team.