Helen Ruth (Synatschk) Pietsch

Helen Ruth (Synatschk) Pietsch, 86, of La Grange, died Thursday, .Jan 21, 2016. Helen was born in Warda on Sept. 1, 1929, the daughter of Herman and Louise (Hobratschk) Synatschk. She married Elmo Pietsch on Nov. 12,1950 in Littlefield. Helen was the third oldest of eight children. She was raised on a cotton farm at Anton near Lubbock and learned the value of hard work. Often times when pulling cotton, it was a race to see who could pull the most cotton in one day. Many times Helen “out-pulled” her brothers and even the work hands. She did her share of field work, hoeing cotton and peanuts while her husband, Elmo, plowed the fields. One of her favorite phrases was “The more we can get done today; the less we have for tomorrow.” Helen was an accomplished seamstress. She sewed garments and clothes for the entire family. She was also an avid cook and was known for baking her famous “lemon Jelly roll” that adorned the dessert table at various functions and celebrations. Helen also enjoyed noodle making. She made tons of noodles for her children’s weddings. The noodles often occupied entire rooms in the house as they were drying. She also was employed by Camp Tejas as a cook for many years.Helen also enjoyed crocheting afghans for all of her children and grandchildren while watching her favorite TV shows. Her other activities included getting her hair done at Ms. Lois’ every Friday. She enjoyed shopping with whomever would take her. Helen loved having her sister, Nellie, by her side working word search puzzles and watching “Mollie B” on TV. Nellie was her caregiver during the last two years. She was a member of the Holy Cross Ladies’ Aid and Sewing Circle. Helen was a faithful and loving wife and mother. She loved her grandchildren and great grandchildren and always had a treat for them when they visited. She was an outstanding lady and will be sorely missed by her family and friends. She is survived by daughter, Elaine Kieschnick and husband, Curtis, of Warda; two sons: Dennis Pietsch and wife, Diann, of Giddings and Daniel Pietsch and wife, Shelly, of La Grange; sister, Beatrice “Nellie” McBride of La Grange; four sisters-in-law: Frances Schumann of La Grange, Junell Schulz of Serbin, Florence Shockley of Littlefield and Doll Synatschk of Anton; seven grandchildren: Stacie Mrozek and husband, Craig, of Fort Worth; Matthew Kieschnick and wife, Jaclyn, of Spring; Derek Kieschnick and fiancée, Alyssa Wisnoski, of College Station; Ryan Pietsch and Zachary Pietsch of Frisco; Kalie and Kyla Pietsch of La Grange; five great-grandchildren: Noah, Olivia and Sydney Kieschnick of Spring; Carter and Kennedy Mrozek of Fort Worth and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Elmo; sister, Mildred Schulz; five brothers: Alton, Herbert, Calvin, Harry and Leon Synatschk; five brothers-in-law: Don McBride, Walter Schulz, Walter Pietsch, Walter Schumann and Alfred Schulz; and niece, Peggy Varner. Visitation was held on Sunday, Jan. 24, 2016 from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. at Koenig & Strickland Funeral Home. Family received friends from 5 to 7 p.m. Funeral Services were held at Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Warda at 10 a.m. on Monday, Jan. 25, 2016. Burial followed at Holy Cross Lutheran Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Holy Cross Ladies’ Aid or a charity of one’s choice. Family and friends can view and sign the guestbook online at www.lagrangefunerals.com. Koenig & Strickland Funeral Home in La Grange was in charge of arrangements.