Helen L. Harter

Helen L. Harter, 89 of Jefferson, passed away on Thursday, September 5, 2019 at Fairhaven Senior Living of Whitewater.

Helen Louise Harter lived a full life of 89 years as a Nurse, Wife, Mother, Grandmother, Great-Grandmother, and dear friend.  She was born on October 1, 1929, in LaGrange, WI to parents Harold “Red” and May (Kuhnke) Sandberg.  Helen grew up in Whitewater with her brother Hermie and sister Marion and graduated from City High School in 1947.  Helen wanted to be a nurse to help people, so she went to Mercy Hospital Nursing School in Janesville, and during her time there she also worked as a Nurse’s Aide.  Helen graduated in 1950 with a Registered Nursing degree and became licensed by the State of Wisconsin.  She started her career at the University of Wisconsin Hospital (formerly Wisconsin General Hospital) in Madison and worked there through the 1950’s becoming a Head Nurse.  She spent two years working in hospitals in San Francisco, CA and loved the rolling hills there. 

In addition to serving people as a nurse, Helen served her country by joining the U.S. Army Reserve in the 44th General Hospital MASH unit as a commissioned officer, where she held the rank of 1st Lieutenant.  She was offered the rank of Captain but elected to focus on her career and personal life.  It was at that time that she met her future husband, Wayne Harter, at the Arthur Murray Dance Studio (1959) in Madison.  They were married on May 14, 1960, and had 60 years of happiness, companionship, and building a family.  Helen and Wayne have two children, Mark (an aerospace engineer in Colorado, married to Kimberly), and Julie (teacher in Indiana).  Helen continued her nursing career at the original Countryside Home in Jefferson and retired with nearly 40 years of nursing service.   She has three grandchildren (Joanna, Noah, Kristina), and one great-grandson (Brecken). 

Helen loved birds, sewing, crocheting, crafting, gardening, and playing Dominos.  Helen became a Christian in 1965 through the ministry of her sister Marion and good friend Mary Thompson.  Her faith in trusting Jesus Christ as her personal Savior has guided her life; she enjoyed studying the Bible and growing closer to God every day.  She led numerous Good News Clubs in Madison in which many neighborhood children were introduced to God and Jesus Christ.  Helen was a faithful member of Calvary Baptist Church in Jefferson for 45 years and touched many lives with her caring, loving, gentle nature.  She’s remembered as a warm, caring, friendly person putting God and family first.

Helen is preceded in death by her parents, grandson Noah, and siblings Marion Bartman and Herman Sandberg.

The family would like to express a sincere thank you to the staff of Fairhaven and Rainbow Hospice for the loving care provided.

A funeral service will be held at 11:00AM on Tuesday, September 10, 2019 at Calvary Baptist Church of Jefferson with Rev. Randy Arbogast and Rev. Jeff Borchardt presiding.  Visitation will be on Tuesday from 9:00AM until the time of service at the church.  Burial will take place at Union Cemetery of Jefferson following the service.

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