Helen L. Steih Obituary
Helen Louise Steih (née Schwab), a beloved daughter, wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, sister, and friend, passed away peacefully on April 21, 2025. She was 91 years old.
Born on October 7, 1933, in Kawkawlin, Michigan, Helen lived a life full of friendship, creativity, and quiet strength. She was known by all to be a caring friend, a generous neighbor, and a woman who loved life.
Helen was naturally artistic. As a young woman she played the accordion in her high school band and sewed her own clothes. Her home was filled with costumes and instruments. One of her most beloved legacies was a love of sewing and quilting; she loved garage sales, collecting fabrics of all types before transforming them into colorful quilts. Her stitches were a natural outpouring of creativity and love that were cherished by all. To honor her memory, the family asks that anyone who has a quilt or sewing project made by Helen bring it to her visitation, so her incredible handiwork can surround her as we celebrate her life.
Helen had a fierce love of cards—especially Euchre and Schmier. Whether she was playing with friends or teaching a grandchild how to shuffle, Helen played to win and never passed up the chance to talk a little trash along the way. Her playful competitiveness and quick wit were delightfully displayed during these card games and are fond memories now.
Helen was active in her faith, her church, and in her community and well known for her warm and lively presence. She had a special gift for making people feel welcome and loved, and her popularity was simply a reflection of how deeply she cared for others. She was a proud member of St. Bartholomew Lutheran Church, the Ladies Aid, the Red Hat Society and many, many sewing, quilting and card groups, where her signature charm and sense of humor brought her lifelong friendships. When she recently moved into the assisted living community, she already knew almost everyone!
Helen worked for many years as the deputy clerk of Monitor Township, where she proudly served the community alongside her husband, Herb, who was the township clerk. Their shared commitment left a lasting legacy — a township park was named in Herb's honor, and just this past summer, the pavilion was dedicated in Helen's name, a fitting tribute to her impact and the life she shared with her husband.
Helen was preceded in death by her husband, Herb; her sons Ken and Dave; her siblings Wilmar Schwab, Darlene Barcia and Ralph Schwab; and several other dear family members. She is survived by her sons Paul (Gail) and Mark (Jenni), and her daughter-in-law Terri; her grandchildren Aubrea, Brody (Angie), Kat, Meredith (Ken), Rachel, and Katie; and her great-grandchildren Anthony, William, Charlotte, and Josephine. She is also remembered with love by many nieces, nephews, extended family, and dear friends.
The family would like to extend heartfelt thanks to the wonderful caregivers, including the staff at Bayfield Assisted Living Community and to Cassie VanSumeren and Tamie Bolda. Their compassionate care and kindness for Helen meant the world to her and to the family.
A service to celebrate Helen's life will be held at St. Bartholomew Lutheran Church in Kawkawlin, MI on Saturday, April 26 at 11:00 am with visitation starting at 10 am and a luncheon immediately following the service. Visitation will also be held at Rivertown Funeral Chapel in Kawkawlin, MI on Friday, April 25 from 2-7 pm. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to St. Bartholomew Building Fund or the Alzheimer's Association in Helen's memory.
Helen will be deeply missed but her love, her laughter, and the warmth of her quilts will live on in the hearts of all who knew her.
