Helen Elisabeth Goertz

Helen Elisabeth Goertz passed away peacefully in St. Louis, MO on September 30, 2024. She was born in Hillsboro, KS, on February 12, 1935.  A reception will be held at Grace United Methodist Church, 6199 Waterman Blvd, St. Louis, MO 63112 on Saturday November 23, at 10:00 am immediately followed by a celebration of life at 11:00 am . Throughout her 89 years, Helen embraced a life of adventure and service to others.  She graduated from Edwardsville Senior High School in 1952 and from Bradley University in 1957.  She was employed by SmithKline Beecham for many years as a lab technician.  She seized every opportunity to continue learning over the course of her life through traveling to world destinations, taking a Mystery Trip, or opportunities closer to home such as attending local musical and theatrical performances, visiting museums and the botanical gardens.  She gave her time to many volunteer activities, such as being a tutor at the St. Louis OASIS Center teaching others and sharing her enthusiasm for learning.  She also served for many years as an election official. She was active with the outreach program at the Shepherd’s Center.  She assisted for many years at her longtime church, Grace United Methodist Church, assisting with the food pantry and Junktique fundraiser. Helen was preceded in death by her parents, Theophilus D.  and Agnes (nee Ewert) Goertz, a brother, Kenneth Goertz, a sister, JoAnn R. (nee Goertz) Sheppard, and a cherished friend, Shirley M. Schmidt.  Helen is survived by nephew, Joseph D. (JD) Sheppard; nieces, Ramona L. Sheppard and Angela (Sheppard) Ellerbusch; as well as great- and great-great nieces and nephews. Alex (Kaytlin) Nelson, Nicolas Sheppard, Evan Sheppard, Reid Kaltmeyer, Delilah and Emmeline Nelson. Memorial donations are suggested to Grace United Methodist Church, Home Sweet Home in Maplewood, MO or the Shepherd’s Center in Webster Groves, MO.  Per Helen’s final wishes, her remains were donated to the Washington University School of Medicine. Condolences may be expressed online at weberfuneralhome.com. Weber & Rodney Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.

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