Helen Emilie Kohl Plummer, age 84, of Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin passed away on Friday, May 16, 2025.

Helen was born November 17, 1940 in Baraboo, Wisconsin, the daughter of Karl and Berta (Strobel) Kohl. Her parents were hard working immigrants from Germany, and Helen took great pride in their accomplishments and her heritage. She was raised on the family farm they purchased in Adams County, Wisconsin. The barn burned when Helen was a teen, so the farm animals were sold and the family began traveling each winter to Palm Bay, Florida where her father could find work as a carpenter. Helen graduated from Melbourne High School in Florida.

Helen's career as a secretary led her to Pan American Airways during the early years of the airline's involvement with the space program. At Pan Am, she met Joe Wesley Plummer and they were married July 21, 1961 in Melbourne, Florida. They moved to Wisconsin in the late 1960's and built their home near the Kohl family farm. Helen was a legal secretary at Curran Law Office in Mauston, Wisconsin for 14 years, and then worked at the Bank of Mauston.

After retiring, Helen became very active in various volunteer roles, particularly with the St. Vincent de Paul and Adams County Historical Societies. She was passionate about preserving history and sharing it with younger generations. Scouring thrift stores wherever she went, she added to her collections of National Geographic Magazines, bronze pencil sharpeners, books, and beer steins. She adored time with her granddaughters, whether it be enjoying the outdoors together at the family pond, or applauding their academic, athletic and personal successes.

Helen is survived by her daughter Kerry (Patrick) Beghin and two grandchildren, Sarah Ann (Brockton Helmeid) and Laura Beth Beghin. She is preceded in death by her parents, husband and her sister Marie Louise Kohl.

Please continue Helen's love for history by donating to the Adams County Historical Society.

A Memorial Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Thursday, July 31, 2025 at St. Cecilia's Catholic Church in Wisconsin Dells at 11:00 a.m. a visitation will be held from 9:30 a.m. until the time of Mass at 11:00. Burial will be at the Walnut Hill Cemetery following the Mass.

Don't Cry for Me

Don't cry for me, I will be okay.

Heaven is my home now, and this is where I'll stay.

Don't cry for me. I'm where I belong.

I want you to be happy and try to stay strong.

Don't cry for me. It was just my time,

but I will see you someday on the other side.

Don't cry for me. I am not alone.

The angels are with me to welcome me home.

Don't cry for me, for I have no fear.

All my pain is gone, and Jesus took my tears.

Don't cry for me. This is not the end.

I'll be waiting here for you when we meet again.