Helga Gertrude Castle (Strietzel), 94, of Appleton, Wisconsin, passed away peacefully on April 16, 2026, surrounded by her family.

Born on November 28th, 1931, in Detroit, Michigan, to Paul and Marie (Heinrich) Strietzel of Germany, Helga’s life was defined by her curiosity, her creativity, and her unwavering connection to others. She was a woman of words—an incredible correspondent who dedicated herself to the art of letter writing, and hand-making cards for those she loved. Her inner thoughts and life experiences found a home in her poetry and short stories, which remain a treasure for her family and friends.

Helga’s spirit of adventure took her across the globe. Her time living in Bogotá, Colombia, left a lasting impression on her heart and in her kitchen; she was as famous for her authentic Colombian ajiaco as she was for her traditional German rouladen and her legendary apple pie.

A lifelong educator, Helga’s career as a teacher spanned many years and many miles, including a tenure at Colegio Nueva Granada in Bogotá before later retiring from the Hortonville School District. Her compassionate spirit for helping others continued into her later years through volunteer work with various organizations.

At home, Helga found joy in the earth and the seasons. She was a devoted gardener who took great pride in her flower beds and potted plants. She also turned her home into a place of celebration for every holiday; friends and family could always look forward to her "occasion tree," meticulously decorated with a carefully curated collection of ornaments for every season.

Following the death of her husband, Helga relocated from Kiel to Appleton to be near her sister, Dorothy Ternes, and her family. Throughout the following 43 years, Helga’s life was enriched by the love of her extended family and many dear friends, with whom she shared countless adventures and joyful celebrations.

Helga was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Joseph Castle; her parents; and her brother, Reinhardt Strietzel.

Her legacy lives on through her children, Cynthia (Mark) Kmidowski and Scott (Deena) Castle; her grandchildren, Kimberly (Tyler) Young and Michael (Heather) Laine; and her cherished great-grandchildren, Victoria, Trevyn, and Harlow. She is further survived by her siblings, Erhardt Strietzel, Dolph (Ami) Strietzel, and Dorothy Ternes, as well as many dear friends, including those she made during her world travels.

The family will hold a private memorial service celebrating Helga’s life.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly encourages charitable donations be made in Helga’s honor to Wisconsin PBS or Memorial Park in Appleton, reflecting her love for education and the beauty of the outdoors.