Elsie Helzer

Hastings resident, Elsie M. Helzer, 89, passed away Sunday, April 7, 2013 at Lancaster Manor in Lincoln, Nebraska.

Rosary will be Friday, April 12, 2013; 7:00 P.M. at Butler Volland Chapel, Hastings. Mass of Christian Burial will be Saturday, April 13, 2013; 10:00 A.M. at St. Cecilia's Catholic Church with Father Joseph M. Walsh officiating. Burial will be in Parkview Cemetery, Hastings, Nebraska. Memorials may be sent to St. Cecilia's Catholic Church, Crosier Lay Apostolate, Friends of the Hastings Public Library and the Heartland Pet Connection. Visitation will be Friday, April 12, 2013; 1:00 P.M. - 9:00 P.M. at the funeral home and one hour prior to service at the church.

Elsie Helzer longtime resident of Hastings passed away on April 7, 2013. Elsie was born at home on the family farm near Deweese, NE on March 13, 1924 to Joseph and Tilly (Matilda Nejezchleb) Bednar. Elsie graduated from Deweese High School in May of 1942 and attended business school in Hastings. Prior to her marriage she worked as a bookkeeper for Swift and Company. Elsie married William (Bill) Helzer on April 11, 1950. Elsie was a homemaker and loving mother to Kathleen, Martha and Wayne Helzer. Prior to her retirement she worked as a bookkeeper for Kealy Construction. A member of St. Cecilia's Parish she was a member of the Altar Society, Catholic Daughters, Legion of Mary and the Crosier Lay Apostolate. A lover of nature Elsie was a member of the Brookings Bird Club, Nebraska Ornithologist Union (NOU), the Audubon Society, Nature Conservancy, and on spring days could often be seen at Fonner Park in the company of her sister Rose. Her involvement with the Cherry Homemakers Extension club led to her participation in the Adams County Fair as an exhibitor in the flower open class. Elsie was an avid gardener and grew prize winning orchids. Elsie enjoyed traveling with friends and family both nationally and internationally.

Elsie was preceded in death by her husband, Bill; daughter, Martha; her parents; her sisters, Mary Sebek, Anna Skalka, Margret Kenar, and Rose Bednar; and her brother, Alexander Bednar.

Survivors include:
Daughter: Kathleen Helzer - Lincoln, NE
Son & Spouse: Wayne & Betsy Helzer - Fresno, CA
Granddaughter: Anne Helzer - Fairfax, VA
Several Nieces & Nephews