Helen Hermesch, 90, of Seneca, Kansas, died Friday, December 14, 2012 at her home in Seneca.

Helen was born on October 16, 1922, the daughter of August and Elizabeth Osterhaus Wessel, on a farm northwest of Baileyville, Kansas. She grew up in the Baileyville community, attended Lone Star Country School and graduated from Baileyville High School in 1940. She helped on the family farm and worked for neighboring farm families until she got married.

On March 3, 1943 she married William L. Hermesch at Sacred Heart Church in Baileyville. The couple lived and farmed south of Seneca until 1960, when they moved to Seneca. Before having children Helen worked at the Axtell Hospital; and after all her children were enrolled in school, she worked for Dr. Hash, until his death, and later for Dr. Lueger, accumulating 31 years of work between the two doctors.

She was a member of Sts. Peter & Paul Catholic Church, the St. Ann’s Altar Society, and a past member of the Earle W. Taylor Post #21 of the American Legion Auxiliary, all in Seneca.

Helen enjoyed making homemade cinnamon rolls and bread, playing cards with her family and friends, fishing with her sisters, as well as canning from a large garden. She enjoyed taking trips, including an Alaskan cruise, attending the World’s Fair in New Orleans and the 1989 World Series game between the Oakland A’s and the San Francisco Giants in California, where she experienced the Loma Prieta earthquake, which occurred before Game 3.

She is survived by her son, Gene and wife Gale Hermesch of Baton Rouge, Louisiana; three daughters, Elaine and husband William Stephens of Tecumseh, Sharon and husband Dan Haverkamp of Seneca, and Marsha and husband Donald Hulsing of Axtell; a brother, Albert “Bert” Wessel of Frankfort; three sisters, Eileen Duryea and Hilda Bergman, both of Seneca, and Alma Dwerlkotte of Marysville; 13 grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband, William on September 22, 1986; her son, Galen on July 21, 2004; brothers, Ed, Henry, Vincent, Benedict, Lawrence, Clarence and Norbert Wessel; and her sister, Lucille Tanking.

Mass of Christian Burial will be offered at 10:30 AM Monday, December 17, at St. Bede’s Catholic Church in Kelly. Burial will be in Sts. Peter & Paul Cemetery in Seneca. Rosaries will be prayed at 2 & 7 PM Sunday, December 16, at Lauer Funeral Home in Seneca.

Memorial contributions may be given in Helen’s memory to C.O.I.N.S. for a Cause, Sts. Peter & Paul Church, or Nemaha County Hospice, and sent in care of the family.