Helen Lafollette

Helen LaFollette, 91, of Mishawaka, passed away Sunday, February 9, 2014, in Michiana Health & Rehabilitation Center.

Helen was born January 12, 1923 in Decatur, Indiana, the daughter of the late John and Maude (Howard) Baumgartner. She graduated from Winchester High School in 1940. Helen earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Music from DePauw University and a Master’s Degree in Education from Ball State University. She served her country in the US Navy during World War II.

Helen married Robert Wehrly on November 21, 1951 and he passed away in 1968. She married William LaFollette on August 21, 1969 and he passed away in 1996.

Helen was a homemaker and before marriage she taught music in Wren, Ohio. Following her first husband’s death she taught Kindergarten in the Jay County Schools.

Helen lived most of her adult life in Portland, Indiana moving to the Michiana area in 1996. Currently she was a member of Sunnyside Presbyterian Church in South Bend. In Portland her memberships and activities included First Presbyterian Church, Tri Kappa Sorority, and the Sew & Sew Quilters. By far quilting was her favorite hobby. Helen gave beautiful quilted pieces to each of her children and grandchildren. She also made lovely items for friends and acquaintances.

Helen’s surviving family includes two daughters, Beth (John) Raker of Mishawaka, Lisa Wehrly of South Bend; a son, Peter (Julie) Wehrly of Boulder, Colorado; four grandchildren, Erin and Andrea Wehrly, Laura (Brett) Wiggins and Brad (Patty) Raker; and three great grandchildren, Lily, Jack and Ava Raker.

A Memorial Service will be held at 4 pm Saturday, February 15, in Sunnyside Presbyterian Church, 115 S. Frances Street, South Bend. Burial will be at a later date in Salamonie Cemetery near Portland.

Helen’s family will receive friends from 3 - 4 pm Saturday in the church.

Memorials are suggested to Harbor Light Hospice, 1608 E. Day Rd., Mishawaka, IN 46545.

Arrangements are in the care of Goethals & Wells Funeral Home, Mishawaka.