Helen L. Endres

Waunakee/Sun Prairie   Helen L (O'Leary) Endres, age 87, passed away peacefully after a brief illness on Thursday July 22, 2010.   Helen was born in Rosemount MN, and grew up in Watertown, MN.   She graduated in 1945 from the College of St. Catharine's in St. Paul as a Registered Nurse.   Helen's profession brought her to meet and marry Edward J Endres on May 1, 1948, after nursing him back to health.   Helen and Ed were married for 45 years until his death in 1993.   After moving to Waunakee, Helen spent many years caring for the residents at the Central Wisconsin Center in Madison.   She was very proud of her profession and the help it brought to those in need.     Helen will be remembered for her life long loving commitment to her family and friends.   She was very proud of her three sons and five grandchildren.   Her true joy in life was the time spent with her family.   Her grandchildren admired Helen for the ability to show her love for them in all that she did.     Helen was an avid knitter.   When she was on a knitting streak, no one was ever without a new dish cloth.   She thoroughly enjoyed traveling, and spoke fondly of her cruise through the Panama Canal.   She also enjoyed playing and watching golf.   She was passionate about football and loved her Green Bay Packers.     Helen will be deeply missed by her children, Ed (Cheryl) Endres, Chuck (Vicki) Endres, and Jim (Julie) Endres; 5 grandchildren, Mike, Nick, Amanda, Alissa, and Sara.   Helen was preceded in death by her husband Ed, her parents, brothers George and Joseph O'Leary and sister Mary Herbst.    A funeral service will be held at 2:00 pm on Monday, July 26, 2010, at CRESS FUNERAL HOME, 3610 Speedway Rd. Madison, WI, with visitation from 1:00 pm until the time of service.   A private family burial will follow at Resurrection Cemetery.