----Source: Tribune-Record-Gleaner (Loyal, Wis.) 06/04/2003

Helm, Mary Jane (28 OCT 1923 - 26 May 2003)

Mary Jane Helm, 79, Milwaukee, died on Monday, May 26, 2003. A Mass of Christian Burial was held at 10 a.m., on Saturday, May 31, at the Milwaukee Catholic Home.

Mary Jane Theisen was born on Oct. 28, 1923, to William F. and May (nee Reif) Theisen. She graduated from Loyal High School in 1941. She was a renowned Wisconsin artist who painted for more than 50 years in the United States and abroad. She was the founding director of the UWMilwaukee Union Art Gallery and was employed by the university for more than 25 years. A large collection of her work is on current exhibition at the Milwaukee Catholic Home.

Survivors include her husband, Fritz E. Helm; one son, Erik F. Helm; two brothers, William (Ethelyn) Theisen and Charles (Carol) Theisen; two sisters, Betty (Jerome) Johnson and Barbara (Homer) Betts; one sister-in-law, Dorothy Theisen; and many nieces and nephews.

Preceding her in death were her parents; three brothers, Leo Theisen, Ray Theisen and Jerome Theisen; and two sisters, Elenore Norton and Florence Ward.

Church and Chapel Funeral Service, Milwaukee, assisted the family with arrangements.