Obituary: Helen Abram

Helen A. Abram

August 29, 1925 - October 18, 2012

Helen A. Abram (nee Smiljanic) of Menomonee Falls, born Aug. 29, 1925 in Oakfield, WI to John and Helen (nee Radeck) Smiljanic, found peace on Oct. 18, 2012 at the age of 87 years. She is survived by her son Ty Abram, sisters Jean Nack, Rose Smiljanic (Charles Alexander) and brother Doug Smiljanic. She is further survived by many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Helen was preceded in death by her husband Howard Abram, brothers Roko and John Smiljanic, sisters Martha Schafer, Alice Halverson and Lucille Kisser. 

In the 1940’s Helen worked at MasterLock and G.E., winning Miss G.E. 1949. In 1956 she built and ran the Three Pines Restaurant in Sussex. She also began flight training at Capitol Drive Airport gaining numerous hours of solo flight time in pursuit of her pilots license. In 1972 Helen opened Town & Ranch Realty. She ended her career with Wauwatosa Realty, retiring in 1985. Helen was a longtime active member and past president of the American Legion Auxiliary Post 382 of Menomonee Falls. 

Helen was a truly special person, never turning from any of life’s challenges. She faced everything with courage, grace, and class, never giving less than 100% to her friends and family. Helen always made a point of sticking up for the “underdog”. She was loved dearly and will be missed tremendously. 

Visitation on is at 3 p.m. Monday, Oct. 22 at the Schmidt and Bartelt Funeral Home. A Funeral Service will follow at 5 p.m. Private entombment will take place at Wisconsin Memorial Park in Brookfield, WI. The family would like to give a special thank you to Aurora VNA Hospice, especially Forest, for their kind and compassionate care of Helen.