Helen Schoeler

Helen Schoeler, 93, passed away on October 19th, 2022 in Mesa, Arizona.

Helen was born on April 2, 1929 in Jamestown, North Dakota. Helen was raised on the family farm outside of Jamestown, North Dakota and was the daughter of Herbert and Grace Vondergeest. She shared her life on the farm with her sister, Dorothy and her brother Jim. After graduating from high school in Jamestown, she soon realized that education, and being a teacher, was her calling.

Helen entered college at Valley City Teacher's College in Valley City, N. Dakota. And while taking a Children's Literature Class, she was acting in the play the "Billy Goat's Gruff" when she met the love of her life, Richard Schoeler. Richard and Helen were married on June 4th, 1950 at St. John's Lutheran Church in Jamestown, N. Dakota. They celebrated their 70th Wedding Anniversary on June 4th, 2020.

Both Richard and Helen shared the same passion for teaching and began their teaching careers teaching in small rural schools in the communities surrounding Jamestown, N. Dakota. In 1958, Richard and Helen and their son, Larry, moved to Worland, Wyoming after accepting teaching positions in Worland. Richard was the high school band director for many years and Helen taught 4th Grade at South Side Elementary. Helen touched many young people's lives during her years of teaching. Both retired in 1985, which was the start of their winter visits to Mesa, AZ. The time spent in Arizona developed many great friendships and experiences.

Helen was also very active in their church, Zion Lutheran in Worland. Helen taught adult Sunday School classes and Richard was active in the church choir. They both love Zion Lutheran very much and developed many great friendships over the years.

Richard and Helen loved to travel and have been all over the United States. Their most frequent and favorite destination has always been Yellowstone Park. After retirement, they took a very memorable trip to Africa which was probably the highlight of their travels. They also traveled all over Europe, Mexico, and Canada.

Helen enjoyed many hobbies and was "game" for about anything. She loved a good game of Bridge. Even while dealing with this-and-that over the past years she could always find time for a good game of Bridge.

Helen was preceded in death by her parents, sister Dorothy and brother Jim. Helen is survived by her husband Richard. Her son Larry and his wife, JoEtta. Two grand daughters; Steffany Boyd of Columbia, SC. and Amanda Anderson of Cheyenne, Wy; 6 great grand children and 2 great, great grand children.

A celebration of life for Helen will be planned for a future date.