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January 5, 2016


Helen L. Egeler

Died December 29, 2015



LAKE LEELANAU – Helen Louise Egeler, 77, of Lake Leelanau, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, Dec. 29, 2015 at Munson Medical Center.


  Helen was born on March 6, 1938 in Mesick, the daughter of Theodore and Tressa (Buckley) Neddo.  On Dec. 24, 1957 in Traverse City, she married Eugene R. Egeler who preceded her in death on Oct. 21, 1992.


  Family has always been important to Helen.  Her Aunt Ethie Ream was one of favorite people.  She loved to sit and visit with her. 


  Helen was called Gram by her beloved grandkids.  She loved them with a passion and loved to spend time with them playing games.  She was a master of Aggravation, Yahtzee, and many different card games.  Farkle was her latest favorite.  Helen was thrilled when the great-grandkids started coming.  She enjoyed the laughter and the chaos that came with them.


  Helen was a bowler for many years in Traverse City.  She made many friends and enjoyed the social aspect of the sport.


  She worked at the paper company in Suttons Bay for many years.  In the 1970's she was on the forefront of an emerging movement of women business owners as one of two women who opened and operated Bay Draperies, a custom slipcover and drapery shop.  She was a perfectionist with every stitch and her work was beautiful.  As the wife of a cherry farmer she also could drive a shaker and truck.  She worked the cherry orchard for many years alongside of many friends and family members.


  Helen was a generous soul and loved to share her skills with her family.  Homemade oversized pillows were a favorite gift along with a ceramic Christmas tree that she made sure each of her grandkids had made her with love.  She never had riches but would send a check to friend in need whenever she could.


  Helen is survived by her daughter, Tammy (Dennis) Fewins; son, Michael (Jeanette) Egeler; grandchildren, Ryan (Larry) Fewins-Bliss, Adam (Andi) Fewins, Bradley (Kelsi) Fewins, Jacob Egeler, and Shannon(Aaron) Berg; great-grandchildren, Harmony, Carter, and Celia Fewins-Bliss, Evan Berg, Kylee Berg, Noah Berg and Jaxson Berg; brothers, Ted Neddo, Ron (Kathy) Neddo, and Gary (Martha) Neddo.


  In addition to her husband, Helen was preceded in death by her brother, John Neddo; and sisters, Caroline Hoseit and Mary Rose Stevens.


  A memorial service will be held on Thursday, Jan. 7 at 12 noon with the family greeting friends one hour prior at the Martinson Funeral Home of Suttons Bay.  The Rev. Joshua LaFeve will officiate.  Burial at East Leland Cemetery will be held at a later date.


  Memorial donations may be directed to Leland Twp. Fire & Rescue, 201 Grand Ave., Leland, MI 49654; Suttons Bay/Bingham Twp. Fire & Rescue, PO Box 280, Suttons Bay, MI 49682; and/or Tendercare of Leelanau, Resident Activities Fund, 124 West Fourth St., Suttons Bay, MI 49682.





  Please share memories and condolences with Helen’s family below:


5 comments:

  1. Tammy & Mike, Your Mom was the best. I love that you mentioned her love of games. We still have the old Aggravation game that we played with as kids on the farm. Your mom always made sure I had a book tote before they were cool and I'll always love her for that and her wonderful giving spirit. She will be missed by all.
    God Bless,
    Kathy (Trejo) Bowen

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  2. Anonymous3:04 PM

    Ryan and Family~
    I will always remember staying the night at the farm and seeing the cherry picker hard at work! I know Ry's love of (and skill at) games and trivia started here with his Gram. Many prayers and love for you all during this time. Amy (Westphal) Peters

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  3. Anonymous5:47 PM

    To Helen's family; You are in my thoughts & prayers. I bowled with Helen on the Tuesday night Timber Tumblers League for many years. She was a very special lady and will be missed by all of those that knew her. Kathy Moyer

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  4. Anonymous12:23 AM

    To Helen's family- I will remember Helen always . When I was at Tendercare recovering from knee surgery I sat with Pat and Helen in the dining room we became very good friends . They would read a recipe that sounded good and both would ask me to make it for them I did..... love you always Helen, you will be missed your friend Mary Forton

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  5. Anonymous4:39 PM

    Dear family of Helen, I just saw your Mother's obituary in the Enterprise. I am so sorry for her loss. I've known Helen for many years since I worked with her at Frigid Foods. I lost touch with her for a long time but reconnected with her when I found out she was in Tendercare. Your mom was a sweet, happy, vivacious person. We shared many laughs together. She was a good friend and I loved her and will miss her. I'll keep you all in my prayers. Diana Roubal

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