Helga J. Kuehn

Helga Janny Ferres, born on April 22, 1939, peacefully passed away in her sleep between the hours of 4 am to 9:30 am on October 26, 2023. 

She will forever be cherished as a Daughter, Sister, Aunt, Wife, Mother, Grandmother, Great Grandmother, and Teacher. Helga was a true warrior and survivor. Her life serves as a profound lesson for us all. 

Helga leaves behind her loving husband, Larry Lee Kuehn, with whom she shared her life since their marriage on October 3, 1985. 

She is survived by her son, Charles Kostuck. 

Her son Norm Kostuck, along with Norm's wife, Debbie, and their children: Nicole, Jaqueline, Jessie, & Derek, will fondly remember her. Helga also leaves behind 12 Great Grandchildren. 

Her daughter, Tanya Pfeifer, and Tanya's husband, Jon Pfeifer, as well as her Grandchildren Tara & Ryan, will forever hold her in their hearts. 

From a very young age, Helga's life was marked by complexity. At the tender age of about 5, she suffered a devastating accident when she was trying to cross the street, she was struck by a Russian Jeep while the Russians were invading Thuringia area and dragged for 75 feet, resulting in a two-month coma and leaving a quarter-sized spot on her brain. She was an abuse survivor of Hitler's Lebensborn program, enduring surgical experimentation due to not meeting their definition of perfection. Ostracized by some of her family, she endured physical and mental abuse, and even had food withheld from her. 

Helga later married and made her way to the United States, proudly obtaining her citizenship on March 14, 1961. Throughout her life, she experienced hardships in various relationships and marriages until she found the love of her life in Larry Lee Kuehn. 

For those who truly knew Helga, they were acquainted with a strong, passionate woman who possessed the most loving and kind heart. She was always ready to give the shirt off her back, and when you visited her, you left well-fed and with gifts in hand. Helga was a fierce protector of her children, treasured her grandchildren, and had a deep love for animals. She was a devout Catholic and prayed daily, had immense compassion for the poor, homeless & elderly throughout her life, and loved watching documentaries about monkeys, apes & meerkats, because it reminded her of unity & family. She took immense pride in speaking at schools to share her history and story, always eager to help those in need. 

“My mind still talks to you, my heart still looks for you, but my soul knows you are at peace.” 

In accordance with her wishes, Helga did not desire a traditional funeral. If you wish to pay tribute to her memory, you may share a story below. Thank You, and God Bless!