Helen Frese

Helen Mary (Lenz) Frese departed to be face to face with The Lord on January 18, 2026. She was born to John P. and Mary Johanna (Belker) Lenz of Burton on Aug 29, 1927.

Helen grew up in St. Anthony’s parish, where she worshiped and attended school.

She was an active participant in 4H. There she learned many skills that became her lifelong loves - cooking, baking, and sewing. She participated and competed in local and regional-level activities. Later, she became a 4H leader as a co-leader of Five Pointers 4H club. As an adult, she enjoyed competitive sewing at the county and State level venues.

Helen met Roy Frese at a Valentine’s Day Dance. They were married in St. Anthony’s Church on October 20, 1948. Together, they began their lifelong career of farming. It all started with 6 dairy cows and led to countless hours and over 40 years working together as a family. In 1980, they were recognized by their peers with the Adams County Outstanding Dairy.

Helen was a wonderful cook and baker. She loved to share and collect great recipes from her sisters-in-law and good friends. Her specialties of homemade rolls, bread, angel food and coffee cakes, pies, and panhaus were enjoyed by many friends and family.

When she and Roy retired in 1990, she began working at local clothing stores doing alterations on men’s suits and ladies' dresses. She enjoyed the challenge of alterations of wedding dresses, and the greater the difficulty, the more she enjoyed it. Working in a dress shop also fueled her love of clothing.

She enjoyed volunteering for many events at St. Brigid’s Catholic Church. She was an Officer in the Altar and Rosary Society. She participated in the Legion of Mary ministry. She was honored to receive The Woman of Distinction Award as the St. Brigid's recipient, in the Springfield Dioceses.

She found great joy in growing and displaying flowers. In her later years, she grew roses and was especially fond of her yellow roses. Roy and Helen enjoyed playing cards with neighbors, friends, and at local church card parties.

Helen has four children, seven grandchildren, and nine great-grandchildren.

Roger and Stephanie Neisen of Dripping Springs, TX; Collin (Tassley) Neisen, Connor and Evelyn: Jeremy (Melissa) Neisen daughters Jolie and Mary Kate: Brittany Neisen

Greg and Leslie Frese of La Prairie, IL; Clint (Catelyn), sons Aaden, Larren, Rolen: Clayton (Jessica) Frese, Rayanne and Bennett.

Alan Frese from The Villages FL, daughter Katie Frese, and Lisa and Rich Doak of Glenwood Springs, CO. daughter Allison Doak.

Helen was preceded in Death by her husband Roy, her parents, brothers Arthur (Mart), brother Gene (Antonine).

A special thanks to Adams Pointe and the Arbors care staff for their loving care the past 3 years. Also thank you to Lisa Meginnes who was a special care giver the last 3+ years.

A funeral mass will be held on Friday, January 23, at 10:00 a.m. at St. Brigid's Catholic Church in Liberty. Burial will follow at St. Brigid's Cemetery, Liberty.

Visitation will be held Thursday evening from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at St. Brigid's Catholic Church.

Memorials can be made to: Blessing Hospice, Community for Christ Assistance Center, Camp Point, or Catholic Charities.

Online condolences may be left at www.hamitonfuenralhomes.net.

The Lummis Hamilton Funeral Home in Camp Point, IL, is handling the arrangements.