Helen Ann Wrabetz (Schwartz)

A caring wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt, partner, and friend. She passed away peacefully at her home on June 3, 2021, at the age of 86.

She was born at home to Clemens and Marie Schwartz on July 20, 1934. She was a talented pianist, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in Music from Alverno College before marrying Voyta Wrabetz and together raising 4 children: Larry, Julie, Joan, and Amy. She continued her education by attaining a Master’s Degree in social work from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. Helen was committed to helping children and families as a music teacher, through her work in music therapy and as a school social worker for the West Bend School District for over 20 years. She was a role model to her clients, family, and others whose lives she touched.

Helen brought compassion, understanding, extraordinary sensitivity and listening skills, and humor to her interactions. Throughout her life she had a sense of fun, curiosity, and vitality that drew people to her. She had a magnetic attraction to all babies. She was an avid reader, pianist, organist, a tennis and golf enthusiast, introspective poet, traveler, lover of ballet, opera and theater, and self-admitted news junkie. She was a life-long learner and spiritual seeker, learning Italian, attending the Unitarian Universalist church, and exploring contemplative practices later in life. In her final years she was blessed with the partnership, love and care of Carl Rank.

Helen is survived by her partner Carl, her children and their spouses: Larry (Laura), Julie (Scott), Joan (Frank), and Amy (Scott); by her devoted brother Larry (Dorothy); by 13 grandchildren (Paul, Elise, Luca, Thomas, Camilla, Robert, David, Kristen, Michael, Lauren, Matthew, Rudy, and Katie), and 7 great-grandchildren (Colby, Ethan, Justin, Gabriel, Amelia, Elena, Julia); and by many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Helen and her family greatly appreciated the medical guidance and care of her doctors, Dr. Gwen Johnson and Dr. Rose Franco.

Gathering at Krause Funeral Home, 12401 West National Avenue, New Berlin, Wisconsin on Friday, August 13, 2021 at 11:00 AM. Memorial Service at 12:00 PM. The gathering and memorial service will be available via live stream on the funeral home website. Urn burial at Holy Apostles Cemetery at 3:00 PM.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Patient Advocate Foundation (https://www.patientadvocate.org/) and the Healthwell Foundation (https://www.healthwellfoundation.org/) on her behalf.