Helen Guseman

Helen Guseman of Salt Lake City, Utah, died in her home on Monday, September 26th, surrounded by her family and faithful dog Rudi.

Helen was born in 1924 in Woodland, CA to August and Sofie Letsch, who were assisting relatives open a bakery in America. The family returned to Germany in 1926 to continue with their own bakery in Bitz, Germany. Helen attended the University of Tubingen and graduated with a Business Degree. She returned to California in 1946 to live with her Aunt and Uncle. Helen met and married Ray Guseman in San Francisco, moved to Salt Lake City in 1956. Helen and Ray divorced in 1963. After beginning with Liberty Mutual in San Francisco, Helen retired from a long and successful insurance career in 1994.

Helen is remembered as a fabulous cook, creative baker, brilliant seamstress, talented gardener and hard worker. She played the harmonica and piano, danced the polka with gusto every year at the Snowbird Oktoberfest and could out whistle anyone.

Helen is survived by her children, Kurt (Melissa) Guseman, Corine Guseman (Hal Dedmond), and Kim Guseman (Steve Ellingson); two granddaughters, Nanette (Jon) Wilde and Jessica Guseman (Morgan Post); four great-grandsons, Amadeus, August, Oliver and Xavier and devoted neighbors and dear friends Barry Prindiville and Bill Thurman.

We are grateful to the many friends and caregivers who assisted with Helen's care. Their support and kindness gave us strength and courage.

Please raise a glass and toast in celebration of Helen's life. Prost! Zum Wohl!

Online condolences may be offered at starksfuneral.com

In Lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her honor, to Best Friends Animal Sanctuary, online at Bestfriends.org, or mailed to 5001 Angel Canyon Rd, Kanab, UT 84741.