HOT SPRINGS VILLAGE -- Helen M. Seekatz, age 86, passed away on the night of March 17, 2023, at her home in Hot Springs Village, Ark., with her beloved husband of 66 years, Bob Seekatz, at her side.
Helen was born July 12, 1936, in Libertyville, Ill., to Jens and Ida Jensen. A friend to all and stranger to none, Helen loved her family and friends with all her might and will be remembered for her sense of humor, welcoming heart and prowess in Scrabble and gin rummy. She was a lifelong Methodist and a member of the Christ of the Hills Methodist Church in Hot Springs Village.
When she was 12, Helen met Bob at her parent's resort in Conover, Wis., where she was working and he was a summer guest. On Feb. 1, 1957, they were married at the Community Methodist Church in Lake Villa, Ill., following eight years of friendship and flirtation.
After graduating from college, they relocated to Grayslake, Ill., where they lived for 25 years and raised their three children, Lynn, Tom and Lori. Helen encouraged adventure, often loading the kids into the car for a Cubs game or trip to Lake Michigan. Always a lover of a good show, she once convinced the Edelweiss Brewery and a team of their horses to pull a buckboard in a homecoming parade.
Helen and Bob then spent several years in Irving, Texas, where she continued her career as a travel agent and was an active member of the Las Colinas Women's Club. Helen's shortbread cookie recipe, a family favorite, was later adopted by the Dallas Museum of Art's café.
In 1993, Bob and Helen moved to Hot Springs Village and managed to persuade friends from Illinois to join them. They built a robust life together here and Helen was proud of her career in real estate, through which she won several accolades.
Helen loved music of all genres, art, fishing and all water activities, especially boating and sailing. She enjoyed time with wonderful friends through The Questers Preservation group, her Zoom calls with her grade school girlfriends, water aerobics and many lively cocktail hours.
Helen will be deeply missed by her husband, Bob; children, Lynn Cole of Durango, Colo., Tom Seekatz of Hot Springs, and Lorie (Tito) Beveridge of Austin, Texas; grandchildren, Paris Seekatz, Warren (Heather) Seekatz, Lily, Trevor and Kate Beveridge; great-grandsons, Gus and Robert; and many nieces and nephews.
She is predeceased by her parents, Jens and Ida Jensen; her brother and sister-in-law, Peter and Sally Jensen; and her son-in-law, Stephen Cole.
Helen's family is especially grateful to the doctors, nurses, caretakers and friends who showed her love over the years.
In lieu of flowers, Helen's family suggests contributions to the Cedar Mountain Boys & Girls Club or the charity of your choice.
Video of the March 25 services will be available through the Christ of the Hills Methodist Church website, http://www.cohumc.com.
Online condolences at http://www.caruth-hale.com.