HELEN D. LATWAITIS

Helen D. Latwaitis, 77, of Blair, died Wednesday, Oct. 11, 2000, at her home in rural Blair.

Helen Dorothy Latwaitis was born in Brooklyn, NY on June 18, 1923, to Edythe and Louis Aldrich.

She married Alfred Latwaitis on March 1, 1941, in Brooklyn, N.Y. She moved to Long Island with her husband and two sons in 1955, and while there, had two daughters. Mrs. Latwaitis and her husband then started a family business, Al-Lat Industries, a high precision component parts manufacturer.

Mrs. Latwaitis was actively involved in their local Congregational Church. She was a Sunday School teacher and a teacher for inner-city children in a Saturday-school program. She worked extensively with migrant workers and was an advocate for their rights.

In 1967, she moved with her husband and two daughters to Omaha. She worked for a brief time at Wilkinson Manufacturing Plant as a Quality Control Manager. In May of 1968 she moved with her family to rural Blair, where she resided until her death. In 1971, she and her husband began DeSoto Precision Industries, now known as DeSoto Engineering, Inc.

Mrs. Latwaitis was actively involved in the Republican Women, Monday Afternoon Club, and the Hospital Auxiliary. She also served on the DeSoto Township Election Board.

She was known for her philanthropic heart and willingness to help others. She started the Al Latwaitis High School Scholarship Fund and contributed to the scholarship fund of Dana College.

Mrs. Latwaitis may best be remembered as a classy woman with an ever-present sense of humor. She had a warm and open heart, encouraging others to believe in themselves and be strong in the face of adversity. She was a dedicated mother, who instilled a persevering spirit in her children.

She is survived by two sons and daughters-in-law, Al and Arlene Latwaitis of Blair; Carolyn and Robert Latwaitis of Bohemia, N.Y.; daughter and son-in-law, Diane and Mike Flynn of Archer; a daughter, Donna Latwaitis of Blair; eight grandchildren, two great grandchildren, three foster grandchildren, a sister, Anna Opperman of Hillside, N.Y., and a brother, Herb Aldrich of New Hyde Park, N.Y.

Funeral services for Mrs. Latwaitis were held on Saturday, Oct. 14, at Campbell-Aman Funeral Chapel in Blair. Interment was at the Blair Cemetery.

Campbell-Aman Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.

#2 Funeral Leaflet

(photo)

“Beneath the Wings of the Spirit We Can Soar to Heights Unknown”—Helen D. Latwaitis

Service: Invocation, Pastor Barry Arndt. Obituary, Pastor Barry Arndt. Scripture Reading (John 15:1-17) Mike Flynn. Message: Pastor Barry Arndt. Memories of Mom: Alfred Latwaitis (Any who wish to share may do so). Benediction: Pastor Barry Arndt. Procession to Graveside: Blair Cemetery. Officiating: Pastor Barry Arndt of First Baptist Church, Dannenbrog, NE

Please join the family for coffee, cake and sandwiches at the Methodist Church following the Graveside Service (corner of Colfax St. and 17th St.)

Memorials suggested to the Al Latwaitis High School Scholarship Fund, Methodist Hospital Hospice

Pallbearers: Ted Latwaitis, Wayne Wilson, Lynn Steffens, Michael Flynn, Ellis Babbitt, Jeff Hanson

Note: the funeral leaflet had an obituary that was the same as the newspaper except it listed by name the grandchildren: Ted Latwaitis and wife Candra, Holly Latwaitis, Robert Latwaitis and wife Kelly, Christopher Latwaitis, Mandy Schweitzer and husband Aaron, Michael Flynn, Marilla Flynn. Two great-grandchildren, Hope Latwaitis (daughter of Ted and Candra Latwaitis) and Jenna Schweitzer (daughter of Mandy and Aaron Schweitzer). Three foster great-grandchildren (Michaela, Alexandra, and Austin Welch of Mandy and Aaron Schweitzer). A sister, Anna Opperman of Hillside, NY and a brother, Herb Aldrich of New Hyde Park, NY.

~~~ Obituary and funeral leaflet courtesy of Washington County Genealogical Society. Newspaper clippings and leaflets on file in the Blair Public Library at Blair, Nebraska~~~

FindaGrave # 116285799