Helen June Busse, a beloved resident of Dorchester, passed away early in the morning of September 21, 2024, at Aspirus Medford Hospital. She was 87 years old. Born on June 13, 1937, in the town of Holton, Helen was the second of five children born to Alvin V. “Pete” Blazel and Elizabeth B. “Betty” Koenings-Blazel. She lived a life dedicated to her family, faith, and community.
Helen’s life was marked by her dedication to her family and her passion for helping others. After meeting Ron in high school and marrying him in 1958, they raised eight children on their family farm in Dorchester. For over four decades, Helen and Ron worked tirelessly to manage their farm, eventually transitioning to new careers and finally retiring in 2008.
Helen was known for her incredible sewing skills, often working late into the night on her cherished PFAFF sewing machine to create beautiful garments for family and friends. She was also an avid cook and baker, with her “Russian dill pickles” and poppy seed tort becoming family favorites. Her involvement in the community was significant; she was an active member of the church choir and generously volunteered her time at various church events.
Tributes from friends and family poured in on social media. “Helen was such a wonderful lady. Condolences to her family,” shared Mary Ann. “Prayers to the family…. She was a really nice lady!!!” wrote Ger Ray Avon Eckert. Many others remembered her warmth, generosity, and unwavering faith.
Helen was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Ron; her son, Rick; her brothers, Alvin Jr. and James; and her great-granddaughter, Leela Row. She is survived by her seven children, 27 grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren, her sister, Louise Brill, and her brother, Dennis Blazel, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, October 5, 2024, at St. Louis Catholic Church in Dorchester. Family and friends are invited to attend a visitation on Friday, October 4, from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the Maurina-Schilling Funeral Home in Abbotsford, where a Rosary will be said at 8:00 p.m., and from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service on Saturday at the church. For those unable to attend, the service will be live-streamed on the Maurina-Schilling Funeral Home Facebook page.