Helen Elizabeth Guenser passed away peacefully on February 4, 2018, at the age of 97. Helen was born in Doyon, North Dakota, on July 20, 1920, the 14th child of John Baptiste and Maria Gertrude (Rutten) LeDuc. After graduating from high school, St. Mary’s Academy in Devils Lake, North Dakota, she moved to Seattle to be with her older brother and family.
She was employed with the Alaska Communication Company, a branch of the United States Army Signal Corps, until her wedding to Arthur J. Guenser at Sacred Heart Church in Seattle on August 3, 1946. They made their home in Seattle where they raised four children. Helen spent countless hours volunteering in the Mother’s Club at Our Lady of the Lake School and the blood bank. Helen spent her last years at Brittany Park in Woodinville, WA., prior to her recent move to Aegis at Marymoor in Redmond, WA.
Helen was an avid bridge player, enjoyed Wii bowling, cribbage, and other card games. She also enjoyed playing the piano, reading books, and working on crossword puzzles.
Helen was preceded in death by her parents and all of her siblings (Roger, Leona, Leo, Loretta, Greg, Frances, Larry, Beatta, Art, Charles, Lucille, Gertrude, and Joe) and her husband, Arthur. Helen is survived by her children Jerry (Christine) of Kirkland; Bob (Jody) of Bellingham; Kathy (Mel) Jantz of Odessa; and Jim (Kelly) of Kirkland. Helen also leaves behind eight grandchildren: Bradd Guenser (Kristie Logan); Josh (Krista); Carissa Gottlieb (Rich Sim); Emily Gottlieb (Jon Davey); Melissa (Randy Petersen); Alex (Chad) Guenser-Minnick; Jessica (Lisa) Guenser-Onstot; Courtney; and eight great grandchildren: Lincoln, Hayden, Emerson, Reid, Hazel, Austin, Rowan and Addison.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Our Lady of the Lake Endowment Fund or to a charity of the donor’s choosing.
Helen’s Catholic religion has always been a great satisfaction and greatest treasure to her. Mass of the Resurrection will be held at 11:00 a.m. on April 21, 2018. Rosary will precede Mass at 10:30 a.m. at Our Lady of the Lake Catholic Church located at 8900 35th Ave NE, Seattle, WA.
Private family burial will be held at Holyrood Cemetery following the reception. Arrangements entrusted to Barton’s Funeral Home. Online comments can be left via Barton’s Funeral Home.
The family of Helen Guenser would like to extend its sincere thanks and gratitude to all the wonderful loving and caring staff at Brittany Park, Evergreen Hospice Services, Aegis at Marymoor, and the parishioners of Our Lady of the Lake parish, who have offered prayers, masses, flowers, cards, phone calls, and their love. We are overwhelmed and most appreciative of everything and everyone. May God’s blessings be with you always.