Helen J. Mertzig, nee Millan, 75, of West Bend, passed away on Saturday, Nov. 24, 2012, at the Aurora Medical Center in Hartford. She was born on April 29, 1937, in Laona to the late Gregory and Julia (nee Lukaszewski) Millan. Helen graduated from Goodman High School in Goodman, Wis. On April 27, 1963, she was united in marriage to David Mertzig at Holy Angels Catholic Church in West Bend.

Helen worked for the West Bend Company and was a member of their 25 Year Club, retiring in 1998.

Helen was a generous, most hospitable and selfless person with a heart of gold, who offered a listening ear for anyone who wanted to talk. Helen always put others first. She opened her door and made room for any family or friend who needed a place to sleep. The moment you walked in her door, Helen offered you something to eat and drink. She was known to make meals big enough to feed an army. No one ever went away hungry. Even if you weren't hungry, she would tell you to “eat MORE because I do not want leftovers!”

Helen was also a giver. When she was able, Helen baked tons of Christmas cookies to give to others. She also enjoyed watching Brewer games, listening to country music, gardening, playing cards and watching game shows. While Helen didn’t travel far, she kept up on current events, international news and politics.

She will be missed immeasurably by her husband, David Mertzig of West Bend; her two daughters, Laurie Kraemer of West Bend and Dawn (Karl) Orth of Neenah; three grandchildren, David Kraemer, Makenna Orth, and Taliya Orth; one sister, Mary Stec of Goodman; one brother, Tony (Donna) Millan of Laona; one sisterin- law, Rose Ann (Don) Clark of West Bend; and other relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her daughter, Mary Jane Mertzig; mother-in-law, Leona Ramthun; brother-in-law, Walter Stec; and her brother and sister-in-law, Raymond and Betty Mertzig.

A Mass of Christian Burial in remembrance of Helen will be held on Saturday, Dec. 1, at noon at St. Frances Cabrini Catholic Church, 1025 S. Seventh Ave., West Bend, with the Rev. Nathan Reesman presiding. Burial will follow in Washington County Memorial Park, West Bend. Visitation will be at the church on Saturday from 10 a.m. until the time of the mass.

In Helen’s honor anyone who wants to has her blessing to overeat, but memorials to The Salvation Army or, because of her love of animals, the Washington County Humane Society would be more appropriate and also appreciated.

Myrhum-Patten Funeral & Cremation Service is assisting the family. Online condolences may be expressed at www.myrhumpatten.com.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to Dr. Lau, Dr. George and the staff at Aurora.