Helen Matsel

Helen Friedman Matsel, 85, of Carmi, passed away Tuesday, February 7, 2012 at 2:00 a.m. at Deaconess Hospital in Evansville, IN.

One of seven children, Helen was born in the Sumpter area of rural Carmi to Mary (Kneippe) and Joe Friedman on May 1,1926. A lifelong resident of Carmi and graduate of Carmi Township High School, she married her high school sweetheart, Colonel Paul E. Matsel (Gene), USA (retired), on April 16, 1948.

She had many roles throughout her life. Popular in high school, she was the 1944 Carmi Township High School Homecoming Queen. The team captain crowning her was the guy who would one day be her husband....Gene Matsel! She was also the May Day Queen. As an adult, she was an active member of St. Polycarp Catholic Church and belonged to the Ladies Guild and Quilters Guild. She was a past president of Beta Sigma Phi. She held a myriad of leadership positions as an Army officer's wife in various Army Officers Wive's Clubs. She played bridge with her monthly bridge group, enjoyed golf and loved to travel. However, her most cherished role was that of wife and mother.

Helen is survived by her husband of 64 years, Gene; four children, Jane Matsel Staley (Mike) of Carmi, Ann Matsel Lindsey of Chesapeake, Virginia, Rod Matsel (Julie) of Carmi, and Colonel Tom Matsel (Annemarie) of Alexandria, Virginia; seven grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild. She is also survived by her twin sister, Mrs. Ellen Mayse, a former Carmi resident, now living in Evansville, IN; two sisters-in-law, Mrs. Ruth Friedman, formerly of Carmi, but now residing in Breese, IL, and Mrs. Helen Behler Matsel of Carmi; and many nieces and nephews.

Helen was preceded in death by her parents; four sisters, Rosemary Barnhart, Gladys Lechner, Francis Morgan, and Mary Friedman; a brother, Bill Friedman; and a son-in-law, Scott Lindsey.

Visitation will be Friday, February 10th from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Campbell Funeral Home in Carmi. Additionally, a Rosary/Prayer Service will be held at 5:30 p.m. prior to visitation at Campbell Funeral Home. A funeral Mass will be celebrated on Saturday, February 11th at St. Polycarp Catholic Church in Carmi at 10:00 a.m. with burial following at White County Memorial Garden Cemetery.

Memorials in Helen's honor may be made to : Phoenix Foundation of Southern Illinois, 615 W. Webb Street, Carmi, IL 62821.