Helen McDonald-Wirtz, age 84 of De Pere, passed away on Tuesday, February 6, 2018, surrounded by her loving family. She was born on February 19, 1933 in Oshkosh to the late Harry and Pearl (Converse) Pokrandt. She taught second grade in Pulaski for all of her professional years. Helen was a volunteer at Heritage Hill State Historical Park, with Meals on Wheels and in the Bell Choir at Pilgrim Congregational Church. She enjoyed traveling, having been to China and Ireland as well as The Grand Canyon and Glacier National Park. Helen experienced life to the fullest, trying new foods at new restaurants and always a good sport, trying tubing or anything her family or friends were up to. She had a great sense of humor and she was quick to laugh. Her laughter will be missed by her family and friends.
She is survived by her second husband, Edward J. Wirtz, children; Michael McDonald, Patrick (Judy) McDonald and Connie (Stuart) Hall, grandchildren; Nicole (Ken) Marzec, Lindsey (Nick) Ripp, Melissa (Jim) Zahn, Michelle McDonald, Mitchell and Madeline Hall. Helen is further survived by five great grandchildren; Micah, Jonah, Lucah, Nya and Mila.
Preceding her in death are her parents, brothers, Harry and James Pokradt and her first husband, Thomas L. McDonald.
A gathering of family and friends will be held from 3pm to 4pm on Tuesday, February 13, 2018 at Cotter Funeral Home, 860 N. Webster Ave, De Pere with a memorial service to follow at 4pm, with Pastor Mike Huff officiating. Inurnment will take place in Ellenwood Cemetery, Oshkosh at a later date.