Helga Kuntz

On Sunday, August 11th, Helga Gertrud Kuntz passed away in her home with family.  Born in Germany, in 1931, to Kurt and Gertrud Langer, Helga had 87 years full of life.  Through perseverance and grit, she survived World Wars, immigration and unthinkable loss, to build a wonderful life filled with family and friends who loved her.

A resident of Watsonville, CA for the last 53 years, Helga taught herself English, raised a family and forged life-long friendships while working nights at Watsonville Canning Company.  She enjoyed fishing, a good penny slot machine and spending time with friends at the Santa Cruz German Club.  She was known to many as “Oma”, whether her grandchild or not, and she welcomed everyone into her home which she filled with love, laughter, music and dancing.

Helga was preceded in death by her eldest daughter Gabrielle Thiele, and is survived by five children: Perry Kuntz, Robert (Bob) Kuntz, Marian (Kuntz) Kolker, Linda (Kuntz) Miller and Annette (Kuntz) Casillas; 14 grandchildren; 18 great grandchildren and 1 great-great grandson.

Oma always said, “Getting old is the pits”. Her family finds joy in knowing that where she is now, she will never be old, but forever young and dancing with abandon.

The family will be hosting a Celebration of Helga’s Life at 3:00pm on Saturday, September 14th at the family home.  Friends are welcome to stop by, share memories, food and of course, a beer.

Wir Lieben Dich Oma! Prost!!