Seton, Helen O?Telia Stratman

Helen O’Telia Stratman Seton, age 103, of Waupaca, WI, formerly of Dodgeville, WI, died on Wednesday, September 26, 2012 at Bethany Home in Waupaca, WI. Helen was born July 21, 1909 in Dodgeville, the daughter of Fred and Bertie (Elvod) Stratman. Helen was a graduate of the University of Wisconsin-Madison and worked for the Works Progress Administration and the State of Wisconsin in Madison prior to her marriage on December 19, 1937 at her parent’s home in Dodgeville to James S. Seton of Harrisburg, IL. Following World War II the couple took up residence in Dodgeville, where Helen resided until 1994 when she moved to Waupaca to be near her daughter Laura Forsberg. Helen was a 50 year member and past-president of Dodgeville Chapter M of the P.E.O. Sisterhood, a life member and past-matron of Dodgeville Chapter #39 of the Order of Eastern Star, and a lifetime member of the Dodgeville United Methodist Church, where she had been active in the Sunday School, Adult Fellowship, Esther Circle, and served as Financial Secretary and on the Official Board. She had volunteered as a leader in 4-H, on the Girl Scout Council, and as Mother Advisor of Rainbow for Girls. She had also been employed at the Iowa County Abstract and Title Company in Dodgeville. Helen loved to cook and bake and was an avid reader all her life. Survivors include her daughter, Telia Seton Murphy of Springfield, IL; her six grandchildren, Jennifer L. Forsberg of Palmer, AK; James D. (Adriane Fang) Forsberg of Silver Spring, MD; Lisa Ann Murphy of Peoria, IL; Regina H. (James) Thompson of Odin, IL; Christopher E. (Shawn Lea) Murphy of Eugene, OR; and Karen M. (Michael) Erikson of Raleigh, NC; ten great-grandchildren, son-in-law, C. David Forsberg of Waupaca; sister-in-law, Ruth Stratman of Dodgeville; niece, Susan Stratman White of Wisconsin Dells; nephew, Fred (Nancy Lee) Stratman of Middleton; great and great-great nieces and nephews. Helen was preceded in death by her husband, James S. Seton, daughter, Laura S. Forsberg, her parents, brother, Ortner J. Stratman, and son-in-law, Samuel H. Murphy. A graveside service for family and friends will be held at Dodgeville East Side Cemetery at a future date. Memorials may be made to the Dodgeville United Methodist Church. The Holly Funeral Home of Waupaca, WI assisted the family with arrangements.