Helen Graedel
Graedel, Helen Harriet-Huson (Lena Boiz) MADISONHelen Graedel, age 93, of Madison, died on September 27th 2017. She was born on February 6th, 1924, in Dubuque Iowa. She was born Hilda Lena Boiz and placed in a Denver CO orphanage at about age two. She was adopted several years later by Willard Huson (formerly from Plymouth WI) and Katherine Hutchinson-Huson of Mineral Point, WI and was raised in Mineral Point until moving to Madison in approximately 1935 at about age 11 with her adopted family. She attended East High School, was the founder of the Beta Gamma Chi Sorority there and graduated in 1941 with many honors. In 1942 she was married to Charles Lee Holemon and they divorced in 1945. While attending East High School she met Paul E. Graedel and later married Paul in December 1946 upon his return from WWII. Helen worked at the UW (Co-op) Book Store as the accounts receivable person, and later was the corporate Vice President for Eggimann Motors and Equipment for several years. She worked at Mendota State Hospital as The Administrative Secretary. Later, she was the Executive Secretary/Ad coordinator for Coyle Carpets for several years. When Paul retired they ...[more]
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ained in Wisconsin for several years before moving to Mt. Dora Florida and eventually to Ft. Lauderdale Florida. She moved back to Wisconsin in 2000. She was preceded in death by: her husband Paul E. Graedel, her parents Hilda (nee Roberts) and James Boiz her sisters Helen Marie (Boiz) Breidel - Lacrosse WI, Mary Louise Paul of Albuquerque NM and Dorothy Boiz and brother Robert Boiz. Also by her adopted mother and father, Willard and Katherine Huson, and her adopted brothers Jim and Willard. She is survived by: Two Sons Brian (Kathy) - Middleton and Paul Scott (Judy) - Wesley Chapel, FL, Four Grandchildren Melissa Graedel, Deforest WI, Justin Graedel, Tampa FL, Jason (Garnette) and Darren (Kathy) Graedel, both of Mazomanie, WI, and Great Grandchildren Bailey Ann Graedel, Isabella Hope Graedel and Colton and Arionna Morgan.
One can only guess at the trials and challenges you faced growing up with never knowing why a blood family was torn apart and at having to live in an adoptive environment that was less than ideal or the resolve and courage it took to succeed emotionally in that environment to nurture and make family and friends bloom. You have shown us that it is not what you are dealt in life, but rather what you do with those things you are dealt that makes your measure. Here's to the painter of still life and carved ducks, the singer, to the teacher that taught "If you believe - then it can be - just start out by believing". Here's to you who never lost faith in life and whether we called you Sis, Mom, Grandma, Coco, friend, listener, encourager- we shall miss you but like the land we shall always remember you.
We would like to thank all the caregivers, nurses and volunteers at Brookdale Senior living Middleton and Home Health United Hospice who assisted her in her journey home.
Helen expressed a wish that in lieu of flowers that donations could be made to: Home Health United Hospice, 4639 Hammersley Road Madison Wi 53711 in her name.
A gathering for relatives, friends and acquaintances and a short memorial service will be held at a later date to be announced.
To read the full obituary, please click here: http://www.fosterfuneralhomes.com/book-of-memories/3175536/Graedel-Helen/obituary.php
