Helen Mitzner

Helen Mitzner 96, of Watertown passed away on May 23, 2013 at Marquardt Heath Center.
Helen never married or had children but she was close to her brothers, sisters, nieces, nephews, cousins, and their families. She was a resident of Marquardt Manor in Watertown WI. She is survived by her sister, Carolyn Kostuck. In addition, she has two nephews, David (Sandy Bottner) Kostuck of Arlington Heights, Illinois and James (Peggy) Kostuck of West Bend, WI. Also survived by, niece: Jackie Collins of Texas, cousin: Karen (Don) Pugh of Horicon, WI and Great-niece and nephews: Jennifer (William) Heid, Jeffrey (LeeAnna) Kostuck, Jace Kostuck, and Scott, Kevin, and Brian Collins. Plus, Great- Great nieces and nephew: Estella and Francesca Heid, Felicity and Jude Kostuck.
She was born on January 16, 1917 and raised in Watertown, WI. A childhood prodigy, she graduated from St. Mark's school in Watertown and then went directly to Northwestern Prep school in Watertown. She then went on to the University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI. She started her career as a high school German, Latin, and Language Arts teacher, plus being the librarian in Monroe and Kewaunee, WI. Helen continued her education at the University of Mexico and studied Spanish. When WW2 started, she joined the State Department and also learned to speak Czech and was trained for her next career in what was to become the CIA. In 1944, she attended the Agriculture Graduate School, in Washington, D. C. For almost a year she was assigned to Berlin, Germany performing economic research duties. From 1947 through 1948 she worked for the CIA in Washington, D.C. as an Intelligence Specialist. In 1952, she attended George Washington University, Washington D. C. to learn the Russian language, also taking classes in Economics. In her career, for the CIA she evaluated general economic development in Central European countries, which entailed performing research duties, preparing reports, and was responsible for their coordination. For the balance of her assignment she was stationed in Washington performing security work, where she gathered information from and for files of the State Department and various other sources of Government intelligence. After 25 years working for the government, she retired. In retirement, Helen lived an Atlanta, Ga. for many years near her brother, Henry. Since 1998, she returned to Wisconsin, living in Watertown.
Helen was a world traveler, taking many vacations throughout the years.
It can be said that she truly loved and appreciated God's creation, especially birds and flowers. Wild flowers were her favorite. Classical music, symphony and ballet were a big part of her life. She attended many concerts and had a large record collection. As she got older, she found joy in watching game and quiz shows, (she knew most of the answers), crossword puzzles, bingo and spending time with family and friends. Another source of enjoyment was rooting for all of the Wisconsin sports teams.
St. Mark's in Watertown was her church, the same place she went to school and where her Father was a teacher and organist many years ago.
We will remember her as a unique, interesting, kind, gentle, and caring lady.
Preceding her in death were her parents: Henry and Else Mitzner, Sisters: Lois and Doris Mitzner, and brothers: Robert and Henry Mitzner.

A Memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday June 12, 2013 at the Pederson-Nowatka Funeral Home with the Rev. James E. Werner officiating. Visitation will be at the funeral home on Wednesday June 12, 2013 at 10:00 a.m. until the time of service. Burial will be in the Lutheran Cemetery. The family wishes to thank Marquardt Health Center and Hospice for their excellent Care. In Lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Marquardt Health Center at 1020 Hill St. Watertown, WI 53098.

Pederson Nowatka Funeral Home Watertown is caring for the family. Visit www.pn-fh.com to leave an on-line condolence or to light a candle in her memory.

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