Winona Kathleen Helenschmidt, 95, of Festus died Jan. 24, 2026, at Crystal Oaks Nursing and Rehab in Crystal City. Mrs. Helenschmidt was a retired seamstress and a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Crystal City. She enjoyed spending winters in South Padre with her husband for more than 20 years. Born May 14, 1930, in Belgique, she was the daughter of the late Sophie (Klobe) and Comiel Bert.
She was preceded in death by her husband: George Helenschmidt.
She is survived by two children: Vicki Mees of St. Louis and Rick (Martha) Helenschmidt of De Soto; a daughter in-law: Kay Helenschmidt of Festus; four grandchildren: Kimberly (Kenny) Schultheis, Andrew (Leah) Helenschmidt, Sarah (Josh) Brenker and Shauna (Cory) Gore; six great-grandchildren: Ryan (Madalyn), Kyle, Andrea, Addison, Landon and Daylen; a great-great-grandson: Leighton; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
She also was preceded in death by a son: Ken Helenschmidt; seven siblings: Claudia (the late Paul) Beeman, Betty (the late Herbert) Harris, Stanley (the late Willamae) Bert, Donald (the late Nancy) Bert, Meredith (the late Janet) Bert, twins Mary Bert and Joseph Bert; and two grandchildren: Leslie Helenschmidt and Garrett Dickerson.
Visitation is scheduled from 2-6 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 1, at Vinyard Hillcrest Funeral Home, 9115 Commercial Blvd., in Pevely. Memorials may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Arrangements are under the direction of Vinyard Hillcrest Funeral Home.