Helen Margaret Treptow, 97, of Hallettsville, passed away July 29, 2017. She was born on March 11, 1920 to Joseph & Antonia Pohl Gebauer, immigrants from Austria, in Lavaca County, TX. She was baptized on April 11, 1920 as Helena Margaret Gebauer at St. John Church, Schulenburg TX. Helen was the youngest of eleven children. She married William Treptow on October 14, 1940 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church of Hallettsville.

Helen had a favorite pet named Moxx, a small feisty terrier that she kept in the house, trained to do many things, and became her constant companion. Stories were shared about dressing Moxx in doll clothes, putting him in her doll cradle, and commanding him to guard things such as cakes from marauding chickens that posed a danger to their demise while cooling in the unscreened windows.

Helen became skilled at constructing quilts even getting awards at contest. She had many friends and never turned away a visit whether expected or impromptu. The coffee pot was always available for drop-ins.

Among Helen likes and dislikes: she disliked disorder, noise, attention, and any type of fuss over her; she liked her independence and although she seldom voiced it, she said a strong word when needed, and always championed the "under-dog". She was a woman of simplicity, integrity, grace and humility. On Christmas Eve, she wouldn't allow loud fireworks, only Roman candles that didn't disturb the "Silent Night". She loved: her family, her dear friends, her animals, and the Astros, faithfully listening to games on the radio with the fork in the antenna.

Helen learned to dance and sing from her father. German songs and folk dances were part of her heritage she passed on to her children. She loved to dance, loved all types of music and instilled in her children the appreciation for the same.

Helen is survived by: son Bill Treptow & wife Liz of Hallettsville; 4 daughters, Bernice Basolo & husband Robert of McAlester, OK, Mildred Cole & husband Russell of Spring, TX, Jo Ann Connelly of Hallettsville, and Brenda Bomar & husband James of Hallettsville; sister Hertha Meyer of Sugarland; 12 grandchildren; 15 great grandchildren; and 2 great great grandchildren.

Helen was preceded in death by; husband William, parents, son-in-law Tom Connelly, 5 brothers, and 4 sisters.

Just as she wove love into every quilt she made, every life she touched became a tapestry of her servant's heart.   "….and now abide faith, hope, love, these three, but the greatest of these is love" (1 Cornth. 13:13).

Funeral Mass Service: 10 am, Thursday, August 3, 2017, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church of Hallettsville; with a luncheon reception starting after mass. Visitation: 5 pm, Wednesday at Kubena Funeral Home with Rosary starting at 7 pm. Officiant: Msgr. John Peters. Memorials: Old Kinkler Cemetery Association or Donor's Choice. Burial: 1 pm, Thursday, after luncheon reception, at Old Kinkler Cemetery.