Helen V. Burrows-Johnson, 93 of La Farge and formerly of Camp Douglas, died Thursday, May 3, 2012 at the Schmitt Woodland Hill Nursing Home, Richland Center. She was born on June 11, 1918 to Russel and Ruth (Olsen) Dinger at Melvina. She was united in marriage to Ronald Burrows in 1937. He preceded her in death in 1981. On July 6, 1983 she was united in marriage to Alfred W. Johnson. Helen worked as a waitress for many years. Helen loved to laugh, she could often be found surrounded by family and friends with a beautiful smile on her face. She had a great love for music and dancing. She played the harmonica in a band and never sat out for a polka dance. She enjoyed playing cards with her family and was known to have a trick or two up her sleeve. She also loved to crochette. Helen could always grow the most beautiful flowers which she would whisper gentle and kind words to them to help them grow. She had a big loving heart which she extended to all her family and friends. She was quick witted and was a known to be a daredevil. Helen was always up for a challenge. Helen belonged to the Oakdale Happy Hour Club in which she spent countless hours with the ladies of the Oakdale community, providing community support and get togethers. She also belonged to the Senior Citizens Band and the Bowling Team. She was a gracious and loving wife, mother, grandmother, sister and friend. She is survived by her husband Alfred of Richland Center, 4 sons, James (Judy)Burrows of Onalaska, Jerry Burrows of Rockford, IL, Jeffrey (Toni) Burrows of Sparta, Jan (John Hurlber) Burrows of New Orleans, 2 daughters, Kay (Thomas) Fortner of Colorado Springs, CO, and Karen (Roland) Ziegler of Sparta, 2 step-sons, Leroy Johnson and Leonard (Tammy) Johnson both of Richland Center, 2 step-daughters, Luann (Ed) Brown and Laura(Alvin) Whitetaker both of Richland Center, a daughter-in-law, Elaine Burrows of Milwaukee, “beaucoup” 25 grandchildren,43 great grandchildren, many great- great- grandchildren, a sister, Marjorie Erbs of Mauston, a half sister Elaine Bailey of Richland Center, 4 sisters-in-law, Harriett Butterfuss and Charlotte Quackenbush both of Tomah, Lucille Schultz of DeForest and Mildred Dinger of Black River Falls, nieces, nephews other relatives and friends. Preceded in death by her parents, her first husband Ronald, a son Keith, a granddaughter, Heather Beckler, a great grandson Peter Ziegler, 4 brothers Warren, George, Leo and Virgil, and a sister, Mildred Goodman.

A Funeral Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Monday, May 7, 2012, 11:00 A.M. at St. James the Less Catholic Church, Camp Douglas. Father John Ofori-Domah will officiate. Burial will be in St. James Catholic Cemetery, Camp Douglas. Relatives and friends are invited to call on Sunday at the Sonnenburg Family Funeral Home, 801 E. Monowau Street, Tomah from 4:00 P.M. until 8:00 P.M. and at the church on Monday from 10:00 A.M. until the time of the service. A Parish Rosary will be recited at 4:00 P.M. on Sunday at the funeral home. Online condolences may be given at www.sonnenburgfamilyfh.com