Helen Mary Gollner

Helen Mary (Hardt) Gollner, age 85 passed away Saturday, February 22, 2014, peacefully after a courageous battle with cancer. She was born June 16th, 1928 to Harry and Catherine Hardt, in Appleton. After graduating from Appleton High School in 1946, Helen went on to become a licensed practical nurse, graduating in 1950 with the first class from Theda Clark Hospital. Her loving and caring personality aided her in the care of sub-acute, convalescent, chronic and aged patients.

On May 30th, 1955, Helen married the love of her life John Gollner. Together they built a home in Menasha where many great memories were made from the annual 4th of July party, Third Order of St Francis picnics, ice skating in the winter to fishing, boating and swimming in the summer. They also raised 5 children: Marie (Ken) Ostorero, Kathy (James) Rew, Paul (Patti) Gollner, James (Rebecca) Gollner and Ann Gollner (Doug Laurent) who then gave them 9 grandchildren.

Second only to her love for John was Helen’s love for nature. Helen was often found caring for her flowers or working in her garden. When it came time to relax, she could be seen enjoying a cup of tea while watching the birds eating from many bird feeders around the house. In her later years Helen spent many years singing and entertaining others with the Y-Not’s. Even up until the very end her energy was inspiring; her enthusiasm constant, her wit was quick and her integrity impeccable.

Funeral Liturgy will be at 11:30 a.m. on Wednesday, February 26, 2014, at St. Mary Catholic Church in Menasha. Friends and family may visit the church on Wednesday from 9:00 a.m. until the time of Mass.

In lieu of flowers, please fill a bird feeder with seed or plant a flower in Helen’s memory.

The family wishes to thank the staff at Emerald Valley and Heartland Hospice for their wonderful and compassionate care shown to Helen.