Cecile Helsel

Cecile E. Helsel, 92, longtime Superior resident, died Friday, October 16, 2009 in the Golden Living Center of Superior. She was born on June 16, 1917 in North Hudson, WI to Benjamin Franklin and Edith (Chambers) Helsel.
She graduated in 1935 from high school in St. James, MN. Upon moving to Superior, Cecile attended the Bartley Business College. She went on to receive her secretarial certification from which she graduated with honors.
Her long career of service began at Superior National Bank. She then applied and received the position of Deputy Clerk for Superior in 1943. In 1963, she was appointed the first woman City Clerk, a post she held until her retirement in 1979. During her tenure, she was awarded the title of Certified Municipal Clerk, and was among the first group of clerks in the U. S. and Canada to be so designated.
Cecile was very active in her community. Among those noteworthy, she was a past Worthy Matron and 50-year member of the International Order of the Eastern Star, a lifetime member of the St. Mary’s Hospital Auxiliary, a long-standing member of the Douglas County Historical Society, the East End Travelers and the Superior Women's Bowling Association.
Cecile was an animal lover, and she also loved to garden. She always had flowers around her house and a vegetable garden, and was said to "grow the best carrots in town".
Quite the traveler, Cecile had been to England, Hawaii, all over the U.S. and of course, made many trips with the East End Travelers.
In honor of Cecile's 90th birthday, Mayor David Ross declared, June 16, 2007 to be "Cecile Helsel Day."
Cecile is survived by many friends, especially her best friends, Amanda "Mandy" Haling, and Mildred Ward, Superior and her roommate at Golden Living, Lois Holmes. Also by special friends, Bob and Karen Thompson, Superior and their two sons, Chadd and Ethan Thompson.
Her parents, and one brother, Kenneth Lee Helsel, a Merchant Marine who was lost at sea in 1945 as a result of the war, preceded her in death.
To all those who were blessed enough to have known Cecile, she will be remembered always as a loyal friend and mentor, who lived her life well with a sweet smile, and a kind, loving and generous spirit.
Visitation will begin at 12:30 PM and will continue until the 1:30 PM Funeral Service in the Lenroot-Maetzold Funeral Home on Saturday, October 24, 2009. Rev. H. Duane Aslyn will officiate.
Burial will be in Greenwood Cemetery.
Memorials in her honor can be made to the Douglas County Humane Society at P.O. Box 891, Superior, WI 54880
Should you like to leave a condolence or sign the on-line guest book, please visit www.lenroot-maetzold.com.