Helen Lucille Plautz, the 6th of 6 children was born to Reinhold Plautz and Katherine nee’ Gosch on June 25, 1922 in Spencer, Iowa. As an infant, she was made a child of God through baptism. She grew up on the family farm between Spencer and Milford, Iowa. In 1936, she publicly confirmed her faith at First English Lutheran Church in Spencer. While in high school she and her future husband Ray were active in the youth group and instrumental in procuring land for a camp which is still in operation at Lake Okoboji. She was active in 4-H and went to State Finals in one of her demonstrations. She graduated from Milford High School in 1940. During World War II she worked in California. On May 20, 1945 Helen married Ray Winfield Erickson after which they lived in Chicago while Ray completed additional training at the Naval Training Academy. Upon Ray’s discharge, they settled in Spencer, IA. In 1951 they were blessed with their daughter, Glenda. After living in several places, they settled in Arizona in 1964. Ray, her first love went to his heavenly home in 1997. In 2004 Helen was joined in marriage to Earl Babineau. They had 9 wonderful years together before he too went to his heavenly home. Since then, Helen lived for a short time with Glenda and then in assisted living in Sun City at The Carillons and finally at Woodmark.
One of Helen’s delights was the active involvement in the lives of her grandchildren. She and Ray loved taking them on trips including to the hometown of Spencer, Iowa. Throughout her life, Helen was active in church in various capacities. She was an organist, choir member, studied braille to transcribe Bible Stories and Scripture, active in Ladies Circles, taught Sunday School and sewed baptismal napkins and altar cloths. She also enjoyed bowling, music, sewing, crocheting, knitting and gardening. She put her seamstress talents to work at several places of employment and won awards at the Arizona State Fair.
Helen was called home to be with her Savior on February 13, 2020 at the age of 97 years, 7 months, 19 days. Besides Ray and Earl, preceding Helen to their heavenly homes were her parents, sisters Wilma and Marian, brothers Alfred, Arnold and Ralph. She is survived by daughter, Glenda (Steve) Poole, 4 grandchildren, Tracie (Mike) Wendt, Michelle (Mike) Behrens, Kevin (Alicia) Steffenhagen and Paul Steffenhagen plus 10 great grandchildren. She is also lovingly remembered and mourned by the extended families from the second marriages as well as nieces and nephews. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Good Shepherd Lutheran for the new hymnals being published or to your church or charity of choice. Visitation will be at Chapel of the Chimes, 7924 N 59th Avenue, Glendale 6:30 PM – 7:30 PM on Wednesday evening, February 19th and at 9 AM at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, 3040 N. 7th Avenue, Phoenix on Thursday, February 20. Following the service at 10 AM, the internment will be at Resthaven Cemetery, 64th Avenue and Northern. There will be a luncheon at Good Shepherd Lutheran after the internment.
SHARE OBITUARY
v.1.9.5