Obituary of Helen Lorraine Bishop

Helen Lorraine McCurry was born in Saginaw, Michigan on April 10 1934 to Thomas W. McCurry and Viola (Bennett) McCurry. She attended St. Andrew High School (also taking classes at Delta College in later years). She married Philip D. Graebner and they had four Children: Christine M. Steudle, Walter P. Graebner, Richard D. Graebner and Lynn I. Graebner.

Helen always loved nature – camping often with her children while frequenting many state parks. She loved to hunt and fish; and was indeed proficient at both. Her love of the wooded north led her to co-build a home on the Au Sable River. Helen took her ability for fly-fishing to enviable levels; she was well acclaimed far and wide for her fly-tying prowess. Her travel adventures took her all over the U.S.; with elk hunting in Colorado, and pheasant hunting in South Dakota being highlights. In Michigan there were partridge, quail, turkey and white tailed deer to hunt.

Helen loved to grow flowers but was unable to stop the deer from eating them. She decided to display brightly colored fake flowers year round and declared them in perpetual bloom. Helen was very dedicated to her church community at Lovell’s Chapel. When an addition was needed she was there to give her time and expertise, proudly bringing along her grandson Christopher to work alongside her. The time spent with fellow congregants throughout the years brought her great peace.

Helen departed for her heavenly home on January 14, 2023. She is survived by her three children Christine, Richard and Lynn. Grandchildren Jennifer (Steudle) Parker and husband James; Christopher Beau Steudle and wife Beti; and several great-grandchildren as well. Also survived by a brother Thomas McCurry and many special nieces and nephews. Pre-deceasing Helen was son Walter in 2020; and her sisters Shirley Francess and Sally Meyer.

MEMORIAL: A Memorial Service for Helen will take place Saturday, June 17, 2023 at 3:00 PM from Deisler Funeral Home, 2233 Hemmeter Rd. Saginaw, Michigan, 48603. Holly B. Schaeffer will officiate the service.

VISITATION: Family and friends are welcome to gather at the funeral home June 17, 2023 from 1:00 p.m. until the time of service.

MEMORIALS: Those planning a memorial contribution are asked to consider Humane Society of Saginaw County, PO Box 1823, Saginaw, MI  48605.