Helga Terlecky

Helga Terlecky, age 74, passed away on Sunday, June 29, 2014 at Sharon S. Richardson Community Hospice. She was born on April 8, 1940 in Nurnberg, Germany to parents Hans and Gerda (Hasselbacher) Diebel. Helga came to the United States in 1964 and resided in the Chicago area until her move to Sheboygan Falls in 1996. She was educated in Germany (B.A. in German Studies), in England (Cambridge University, Certificate of Proficiency in English), and graduated from North Central College in Naperville, IL (B.A. in accounting). At North Central College, she earned several awards for academic excellence. Her careers in this country included employment with the German National Tourist Office, a division of the German Consulate General in Chicago. She was also self-employed as a German language teacher. After raising a family, she worked as an accountant, specializing in the field of income taxation. Prior to her "retirement" in Sheboygan Falls, she became self-employed as a Certified Public Accountant and worked in this capacity until April 2012. Helga had numerous and diverse interests. She loved to travel with her husband, attended cultural events, played bridge, and was an avid reader. She engaged in a variety of physical fitness activities at the Sports Core in Kohler. Prior to a serious illness, she was a fanatical long-distance runner and completed several marathons - including the Boston Marathon. Helga was a member and volunteer usher at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Sheboygan Falls, as well as a docent at the John Michael Kohler Arts Center. Previously, she served as a volunteer tutor at the Literacy Council in Sheboygan. She is survived by her beloved husband, children, grandchildren, and a sister in Germany. One of the many charitable organizations that Helga supported was Mercy Home for Boys and Girls in Chicago. In lieu of flowers, any donations would be gratefully accepted and forwarded to this organization. Helga hopes to be remembered for her zest of life, sense of humor, and her generous and giving spirit. A gathering will be held at 10:30 AM on Saturday, July 12, followed by a Memorial Service at 12 Noon, at St. Paul's Lutheran Church, 730 Cty Tk PPP, Sheboygan Falls.