Helenmae (Mense) Debee

Helenmae (Mense) Debee, age 94, of Menomonie, WI, passed away on Wednesday, October 21, 2026, at Comforts of Home in Menomonie, WI.

Helenmae was born on January 18, 1932, in Menomonie, WI, to Edwin and Gala (Schultz) Mense. She grew up in Menomonie and graduated from Menomonie High School in 1950.

On September 19, 1953, Helenmae married her high school sweetheart, Helmer "Chuck" Debee, at Peace Lutheran Church in Menomonie. Together, they shared 64 years of marriage and raised their family in Menomonie.

Helenmae worked as the parish secretary at Peace Lutheran Church for 38 years, retiring in 1995. A lifelong member of Peace Lutheran Church, her faith and dedication to serving others were an important part of her life. She served on the Peace Lutheran Church Women (PLCW) Board, sang in the church choir, participated in various church committees, and was involved with the local Lutheran Brotherhood branch. She also dedicated her time as an advisor to the church's puppet ministry and youth programs.

Helenmae was actively involved in her community throughout her life. She served on the Dunn County Mental Health Board, was a member of the Jaycettes, and volunteered as a Girl Scout leader, den mother, and PTA officer. She also served as secretary of the Dunn County Cancer Society.

In her free time, Helenmae enjoyed ceramics and golfing. Above all, she cherished her family and the time spent with those she loved.

Helenmae is survived by her daughter, Sue (Gary) Labs of Menomonie; granddaughters, Jamie (Dan) Smith and Lindsey (Pat) Banaszynski; Dan’s son, Mason; and her special great-granddaughter, Peyton “Toot” Banaszynski. She is further survived by many nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Helmer "Chuck" Debee; her parents, Edwin and Gala Mense; her two sons, Thomas "Tommy" Debee and Timothy Debee; and her brothers, James (Ann) Mense and Don (Gerry) Mense.

A special thanks to Comforts of Home and St. Croix Hospice for their amazing care and support.

A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, October 26, 2026, at Peace Lutheran Church in Menomonie, WI, with Pastor August Hohl officiating.

Visitation will be held from 12:00 to 3:00 p.m. on Sunday, October 25, 2026, at Olson Funeral Home in Menomonie, WI, and one hour prior to the service at the church on Monday.

Burial will take place at Peace Lutheran Cemetery in Menomonie, WI.

To share a memory, please visit obituaries at www.olsonfuneral.com.