Diane Mary Helm, beloved mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, of Merrill, passed away on Sunday, August 9, 2026, surrounded by her family at Dove Healthcare Center in Osseo. She was 87 years old.

She was born on December 21, 1938, in Milwaukee, the daughter of Theodore and Marie (Muza) Steinke. She worked proudly as a nurse, earning her professional diploma from the Mount Sinai Hospital- School of Nursing. After a short career break to raise her children, she continued sharing her passion for nursing by teaching surgical technology at North Central Technical College. On August 27, 1960, she was united in marriage to the love of her life, Richard John Helm in Milwaukee. He preceded her in death on September 12, 2001.

She loved playing bingo, collecting stuffed plush toys for her greatgrandchildren, crocheting and was an avid Brewer’s fan. She was a member of St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Merrill where she was involved in prayer group and the church choir. She was a very generous and giving person, whose love for her family was unmatched.

She is survived by her children, Richard J Helm II, Donna (Dean) Steinagel; grandchildren, Rick Helm III (Darcy Hannon-McFarland), Danielle (Tom) Wile, Ted (Angela) Helm, Meghan Smith (Ryan Lowry), Timothy Helm and five greatgrandchildren. She is preceded in death by her parents, Theodore and Marie and her husband, Richard.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, August 19, 2026, from 11:00 AM to 11:45 AM at Taylor-Stine-Waid Funeral Home – Eagle Drive Location. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 12:00 PM, at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Merrill. Interment will follow Mass in the St. Francis Xavier Cemetery.