Helen Tegge

Helen Tegge, 97, passed away on June 29, Helen, or "Dolly" as her grandkids and great-grandkids called her, was born June 23, 1916 to Freda and E.L. Michel in Marble Falls, Texas. Helen was one of seven children. Helen lived most of her adult life in Austin, Texas. She recently relocated to Pearland, Texas so that her daughter Carolyn could provide care for her.

Helen had a keen passion for business and was a consummate dealmaker. This drove her to success as owner/manager of the Plantation Restaurant in Austin and later, becoming a Realtor specializing in commercial investment properties. She learned her business skills from her father who was the owner of the first Ford dealership in the Marble Falls area. As a young girl she would ride with him and open the gates on sales calls to neighboring ranches. She learned from him the sale started with opening a conversation. This is what she loved, she was never afraid to approach anyone to start up a conversation and hopefully this included a business proposition.

Helen loved to travel and took four trips to Europe with her daughter. Later, she traveled with her daughter on many of their family vacations to Mexico, Canada, and many destinations throughout the United States. She loved to ride and see the country side.

Caring for her family was always important to Helen. She was a natural caregiver and was always thinking of and caring for others. She volunteered at St. David's Hospital and was also very active in her churches - First English Lutheran Church and Prince of Peace Lutheran of Austin. She was active in the Fiscal Fun Investment Club, Women's Federation, and the Barton Hills Garden Club. Raised on the family ranch in Marble Falls, Helen developed a lifelong love of nature. Among her favorite things were the flowers and landscapes in her back yard and all the animals and plants of the Texas hill country.

Helen is survived by her sister LaVerne Ely of Austin Texas, her daughter Carolyn Rountree and husband Robert, and their two children Roderick Rountree, wife Jennifer and Rawlins Rountree and wife Wendy. Great grandchildren include Christopher, Collin, Zoe, and Amber.

Helen is preceded in death by her first husband A.C. Cade, her second husband Wayne Tegge, her son Charles Aaron Cade, and her brothers Carl L. Michel, J.G. Michel, Henry "Doc" Michel, and sisters Freda Powers and Ethilene Jarvis.

The family wishes to thank the nurses and staff at Windsong Village Convalescent Center for their care of Helen. Also, thanks to Julie and Cornelia for staying with her at night.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions be made to Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, 1711 E. Oltorf, Austin, TX 78741 or to the charity of your choice.

Visitation with the family will be held at 9:30 a.m. on Friday, July 5, 2013 at Weed-Corley-Fish Funeral Home with funeral services following at 10:30 a.m. in the Weed-Corley-Fish Chapel officiated by Reverend David Melber for the Prince of Peace Lutheran Church. Burial will follow the service at Austin Memorial Park Cemetery.