Helen J. Oldenburg

Helen Jane Oldenburg, age 85 of Viroqua, died Saturday, November 24, 2007 Helen Jane Oldenburg, age 85 of Viroqua, went to be with her Lord on Saturday, November 24, 2007 at the Vernon Manor in Viroqua where she had been a resident for over 2 years. She was born on September 4, 1922 to Howard and Susie (Teal) Minshall at the family home in Viroqua. She married Arnold Oldenburg November 13, 1942. Helen graduated from Viroqua High School in 1941 and attended La Crosse Business College. She worked at Trane Co. They farmed and then moved to Illinois where Arnold worked for Curtis Co. They then moved back to Viroqua and she worked at Tri-State Breeders in the office until health issues caused her to quit in 1964. She was a 4-H leader, taught a Knitting Club, and was a member of Loyal Sons/Daughters Sunday School class where they formed long lasting friendships. She knit beautiful sweaters and afghans for family and friends She taught young and old to knit, enjoyed having people over for a meal almost every Sunday after church. She loved to play cards and board games and Dominos with family and friends. She was a great cook and made delicious cookies and apple dumplings. Helen and Arnold loved the Lord and lived a life that exemplified their love for him. She loved and adored her family and was at all family functions, no matter where they were held. They traveled in nearly all the continental United States in their camper. Helen is survived by her children: Sandra Burghardt of Clay Center, NE; Wayne (Patricia) Oldenburg of Viroqua; and foster daughter, Patty Orabi of Madison; five grandchildren: Rhonda, Lori, Darcy, Michael, Sarah and foster-granddaughter Sharina; 11 great-grandchildren: Kyle, Amanda, Kellie, Amber, Devin, Ericka, Jarod, Quinn, Alexis, Ayden, and Benson; two sisters-in-law: (Arlene) Minshall of Milwaukee; Bernice (Bob) Cade of Viroqua; one brother-in-law, Wesley (Marie) Oldenburg of Viroqua; one step-sister-in-law, Mary Ann (Jack) Haun of Indianapolis, IN; nieces, nephews and many friends; special friends, Jane Purdue, Merle Hood and Joe Adams.She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; an infant son, William; son-in-law, Ronald Burghardt; grandson, Lon Burghardt; three brothers: Roy, Mahlon, and Kenneth Minshall; a sister-in-law: Dawn Minshall; a brother-in-law: George Weber; and special family friends: Grace, Lucille and Frances Johnson. Funeral Services will be held on Thursday, November 29, 2007 at 11:00 a.m. at the Viroqua Church of Christ. Pastor Joe Adams will officiate with burial in the Viroqua Cemetery. Friends may call on Wednesday from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Vosseteig-Larson Funeral Home, 123 West Decker (Hwy 56) in Viroqua. Friends may also call on Thursday after 10:00 a.m. at the Church. Blessed be her memory. The Vosseteig-Larson Funeral Home of Viroqua is serving the family