Helen Sassman

Helen Sassman, 97, formerly of Black Creek, passed away peacefully at home on November 12, 2022. She was born May 14, 1925 in Kimberly to the late Joseph and Mary (Buytaert) Derks. She graduated from Kimberly High School in 1942, then attended Bowlby Business College in Appleton after which she became employed as a bookkeeper at Hopfensperger Bros. in Appleton. She met Ralph Sassman at the Cinderella Ballroom in Appleton and they were united in marriage on February 14, 1952. They farmed and raised their family on the original Sassman farm in Black Creek.
She was a member of St. Mary's Catholic Church in Black Creek and Catholic Women's Group while teaching catechism there for many years. She was also a member of the American Legion Auxiliary Post 332 in Black Creek.
She enjoyed reading, crossword puzzles, baking and crocheting. She and Ralph enjoyed their daily walks, their card group and traveling, especially their many years with Farmers on the Bum. Most of all she enjoyed being with family, holidays, making cards, being with grandchildren and attending their activities.
She is survived by her husband, Ralph of 70 years; son, Thomas (Chris) of Madison; and their children: Olivia (Nate) Wimble and Peter (Eriko); daughter-in-law, Linda (Timothy) Sassman of Appleton; and their children: Andrew, Carrie (Eric) Heiting and Heather (Jim) Franson; son, Stephen (Barbara) of Black Creek; and their children: Jennifer, Scott (Lori) and Paul (Jenny); daughters: Christine (Lee) Rynish of Seymour; and their children: Nicholas (Shelley), Jonathan (Katie), Tiffany (Jon) Hacker and Joshua (Kari); and Elaine (Keith) Skenandore of Kaukauna; and their children: Kyle (Jessica), Bret and Jordan; twenty-three great-grandchildren; Baby Rynish due in December and Baby Skenandore due in January; three brothers: James, Richard (Shirley), and Robert Derks; sister-in-law, Marian Zuleger; and brother-in-law, Laverne (Joyce) Sassman; nieces and nephews, other relatives and friends.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by an infant daughter at birth; son, Timothy; grandchildren: Taylor Skenandore and Matthew Rynish; and great-grandchildren: Solanus and Isaac (twins) Rynish. She is further preceded in death by a sister-in-law, Marlene Derks; an infant brother and a brother, Joseph; sister-in-law and brother-in-law: Vera and Ben Krueger; sister-in-law, Esther Henry; and brother-in-law, Earl Zuleger.
Visitation will take place at Muehl-Boettcher Funeral Home, Seymour, on Tuesday, November 15, 2022, from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m., Parish Wake Service at 6:30 p.m. Visitation continues on Wednesday. November 16, 2022, at St. John Catholic Church, 915 Ivory Street, from 9:30 a.m. until the time of services at 11:00 a.m., Fr. Sengole Dass officiating and Deacon Rich Matuszak officiating. Burial will take place at St. Mary's Catholic Cemetery in Black Creek.
In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund has been established.
The family extends a special thanks to everyone at ThedaCare at Home and Hospice for their loving care for Helen.
Matthew 22:37-39 'Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with thy whole heart, and with thy whole soul, and with thy whole mind.' This is the greatest and the first commandment. And the second is like it, 'Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself.'
Online condolences may be expressed to Helen's family at www.muehlboettcher.com