Helen L. (Haack) Elsen, 89, of Bangor, died on Sunday June 5, 2016 at the Onalaska Care Center. She was born on February 13, 1927 in Bangor to August and Luise (Meyer) Wittmershaus. She was baptized March 27, 1927 and confirmed, May 17, 1940, at St. Paul’s Ev. Lutheran Church in Bangor. She attended St.Paul’s Parochial School and graduated from Bangor High School in May of 1944 with the nickname "Butch". Following her graduation, Helen worked for the First National Bank in Bangor. She was married to Jack Haack in October of 1951 until his death in 1974. Together they had two children and had lived in rural Onalaska. In 1960 Helen returned to work full time at First National Bank then began working for the Exchange State Bank in 1962. In 1971 she accepted a job in the La Crosse County Clerk of Courts Office, retiring in 1994 after 23 years.

Helen's Faith was very important to her. She was an active member at St. Paul's Ev. Lutheran Church in Onalaska for 42 years. And in 1999 after marrying Harold "Took" Elsen in Hawaii, she moved back to the Bangor area and was once again active at her home church - Bangor's St. Paul's Ev. Lutheran Church. She was so happy living at Took's rural Bangor home even after his death in 2004. She valued being a member of the Elsen family.

She was very active her entire life - baking treats to be shared, preparing Hamburger Chowder for her grandkids; gardening & feeding the birds, and had frequent gatherings with friends. She had enjoyed bowling for many years and learned to swim at 60 yrs old - doing laps, and in later years attending a Water Aerobics Class at the Y. She loved playing Euchre competitively with the Burns Valley Group and at West View. She so enjoyed traveling to Germany to meet her many relatives and also the Mystery Bus trips with her friend, Norma. Helen also volunteered for over 20 years at Gundersen Health System. She helped at the Red Cross Bloodmobile as well, for which she was a blood donor of nearly 11 gallons. Most Sundays would find her visiting shut-ins. She had an amazing memory, able to recite important dates of nearly every family member and sending wishes for each occasion.

Helen is survived by her 2 children; John (Sue) Haack of West Salem, and Ann (Kent) Northrup of La Crescent, MN: 4 grandchildren Matthew Pierce, Kim Pierce, Andy Haack and Alison Haack; 2 Step-grandchildren Josh Northrup and Brad Northrup: 1 Great-Grandchild Alanna Woodard; 2 Step Great-Grandchildren - Isaac and Lincoln Northrup; three Sisters-in-law Lorraine Wittmershaus of Sparta, WI, Barb Wittmershaus of Bangor, WI and Eleanor Elsen of West Salem; and many nieces and nephews. She is also survived by her 2nd Husband’s 4 Step Children (The Smith Family) and their families, of whom she cared deeply for.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her two husbands; Jack and Harold. And also her brothers and sisters: Lena Morris, August Wittmershaus, Arthur Wittmershaus, Irene Staples, Robert Wittmershaus and an infant sister Ruth Wittmershaus.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday June 10, 2016 at St. Paul’s Ev. Lutheran Church in Bangor. The Rev. Roy Hefti will officiate. Burial will follow in the Fairview Cemetery in Bangor. Friends may call at the church on Friday from 9:00 am until the time of the service. Memorials may be directed to either Luther High School or St. Paul’s Ev. Lutheran School in Bangor.

We wish to Thank the staff and Physical Therapists at the Onalaska Care Center for their compassionate care of Helen during these past months.