Obituaries

Helen J Maciulski

Oct. 21, 1935 - Jan. 24, 2025 - Neenah, WI

Funeral Service

Saturday, Feb. 8, 2025

10:30 am


Wieting Family Funeral Home

411 W Main St.

Chilton, WI 53014

Funeral Visitation

Saturday, Feb. 8, 2025

9:30 am - 10:30 am


Wieting Family Funeral Home

411 W Main St.

Chilton, WI

Helen J Maciulski

Neenah WI

Helen (Ruffing) Maciulski, age 89, of Neenah, died on Friday, January 24, 2025, at her residence at Primrose Retirement Community.  She was born October 21, 1935 in Stockbridge, the second daughter of Ray and Theresa Ruffing.  

Helen married Thomas Eugene Maciulski on October 25, 1970, at Holy Family Catholic Church in South Bend, Indiana.  Helen enjoyed many years in the accounting department for Armco Steel.  She was good with numbers and Armco let her soar with those talents, at both their South Bend office and in Topeka, Kansas.  She spoke fondly and often of her years there and the good people she met.  

Helen loved to talk to just about anyone.  Give her a cup of decaf and she was good to go, laughing through stories of her childhood on the farm with her six siblings, whom she dearly loved, or talking about her favorite sports teams:  The Notre Dame Fighting Irish, the Green Bay Packers, or the Wisconsin Badgers.  She also rooted for the LSU Tigers, even before she and Tom moved their family to Louisiana.  

Helen loved her grandchildren and always maintained a close relationship with them.  When she was in Shreveport, she was there for their games, academic assemblies,  and graduations, and she always had a craft or project to share when they came to visit.  She also loved not only her “granddog” Pepper, but dogs in general, and spoke often about those she cared for over the years, especially Abby, the German Shepherd.

Survivors include her children: Mark (Polly) Maciulski, Tamara (Darryl) Moore; her grandchildren:  Megan Maciulski, Thomas Maciulski, Ryan Moore, Joseph Moore, Aaron Moore and Matthew Moore; and her siblings: Rose Miller, Ray Ruffing, Richard Ruffing.  She is further survived by nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.  

Helen was preceded in death by her parents, Ray and Theresa; mother-in-law Eleanor (Przestwor) Gentry and father-in-law Steve Maciulski; first husband, Robert Gember; husband Thomas Maciulski; brothers Edward Ruffing, Charles Ruffing and Robert Ruffing: brother-in-law Melvin Miller and sisters-in-law Delphine (“Blondie”) Ruffing, Alice Ruffing, Julie Ruffing, and Shirley (Gordon) Copenhaver.  

Funeral service will be at 10:30 am on Saturday, February 8, 2025, at the Wieting Family Funeral Home (411 W. Main St.) in Chilton.  Burial will be in the St. Mary Catholic Cemetery in Stockbridge.  A time of visitation will be held at the Wieting Family Funeral Home from 9:30 am until 10:30 am when the service will take place.  At the time of the service and following, there will be a link available above for those wishing to watch a livestream or archived recording of the service, watch a memorial video, or see pictures of the flowers and gifts given to the family.  

Helen’s family was blessed with many earthly angels who cared for Helen in recent months, most notably the Hospice Staff of ThedaCare and Care Patrol.  We give special recognition to Jeanne Schneider and Lexi Anderson, who cared personally for Helen and showed her such kindness and compassion throughout this journey.  We also are immensely grateful for the warm welcome and incredible service provided by the entire staff of Primrose Retirement Community.  It gave us great comfort to know that Helen was cared for by so many people who are so committed to the care and dignity of their patients or residents.  

Condolences


Aunt Helen had such an impact on my life when I was young. She was an independent woman with a good mind and a lust for life. She always seemed to be in a good mood and could carry on a conversation with just about anyone. She believed in the power of knowledge and independent thinking. I'll never forget the leather purses she brought back from Mexico for us kids when she was single. Another highlight was staying overnight in her apartment when I was young. To me she was a completely modern woman. I'm so sad I didn't get to see her one more time. Unfortunately I have a bad head cold so can't attend the funeral but my thoughts and prayers are with you.

Susan Miller (Niece ) 2025-02-07 10:23:05

My favorite aunt.I will miss her.

David Miller (nephew) 2025-02-03 21:21:26

We offer our deepest condolences during this time. Her son, Mark is an extraordinary person because of Helen’s influence. May she rest in peace.

Michelle Dillon and the Medtronic Americas Commercial Training team (Colleagues) 2025-02-03 09:56:35

Our sympathy to the Maciulski and Ryffing families. It was always great to see Helen when she would be visiting with my sister Alice and her brother Charles. I always admired Helen she was never afraid to tell it like was. I was always happy to see her. Gone from here but forever in your hearts.

Paula and Harry Schneider (Sister of Alice Ruffing ) 2025-01-28 17:01:10

Aunt Helen was 10 years younger than her sister, Rose. She came to help Rose whenever she had a new baby. She told me that she didn't want the older kids to feel left out when a new baby was born. I was the oldest. I was 5 years old with 4 younger siblings. Aunt Helen made me feel special. Last year she told me that I was a cute baby. I was so surprised to hear that because I always thought my sisters were the cute ones. Mark shared a photo of us little girls hugging Aunt Helen. I wish I could figure out how to share it here. Aunt Helen inspired us to love learning and to broaden our minds. She helped us with our homework and captivated us with her stories of travel. She had a huge influence on me. I will miss her dearly.

Marilyn Keuler (Niece) 2025-01-27 20:26:42

I’m so blessed to know that Helen is now able to live on with us, she was such an amazing soul and I’m so beyond thankful that I got to take care of her. I would also like to thank mark for all the support he gave ms Helen as she was such an amazing woman.

ella ably (Care giver) 2025-01-27 16:42:04


Submit Your Condolences

* Required Field