Helen Doris Gudgel

Helen Doris Gudgel died in her home October 8,2018, surrounded by family. She was born November 2, 1924 in Middle, Iowa to Rudolph and Maria Pitz. Helen grew up in the Amana Colonies speaking only German until her late teens. She was the first woman from her community to graduate from college, during which time she also taught German to American WWII soldiers and was a favorite typist in both English and German for many professors. Helen met her lifelong sweetheart Dr. Kenneth Gudgel at the University of Iowa. They were married on June 30, 1946 for 63 years before he proceeded her in death.

After medical school in 1949, Ken and Helen settled in Odessa, WA to set up their medical practice and raise their children Barbara Walter (Forey), Kenneth Gudgel (Vickie), Cindy Folsom (Marty) and Lisa Rogers (Randy). They moved to Spokane in 1969.

Helen served more than 20 years for the Inland Empire Girl Scouts as an adult leader and president. She was a loved and respected medical office manager, well into her late 60’s. With her husband, she started a medical practice management business serving doctors in Spokane and nationwide. She taught business classes at Whitworth College and served on the scholarship committee for the local DR chapter of PEO. Most recently, at the age of 90, she tutored third grade students in reading and was known as “Grandma Helen”.

She loved her family and grandchildren. Her many projects of embroidery and copies of her book “Cooking Wild Game” made their way into their homes.

Helen is survived by her four children and many grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Her memorial service will be held at 11am Tuesday October 16, 2018 at the Thornhill Valley Chapel; 1400 South Pines Road; Spokane, WA. In lieu of flowers the family asks contributions be made to the PEO Chapter DR Scholarship Fund; % Elaine Fulton 9700 E Holman Rd, Spokane Valley WA 99206