Helen Rubnitz 
January 15, 1927 - March 3, 2017

Helen Rubnitz died peacefully in Memphis on Friday, March 3, 2017. Helen was born to Joseph and Ann Branovan in Milwaukee on Jan. 15, 1927. Helen married William ("Bill") Rubnitz in Milwaukee in 1954. They were married over 50 years when William died in 2006. Bill and Helen had two children, Susan (Joel) Winnig of Madison and Jeffrey (Karin) Rubnitz of Memphis, TN. Helen was a devoted and cherished wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. Helen is survived by her children, her grandchildren Samuel (Brooks) Winnig, Sarah Winnig, Zach Rubnitz, Julia Rubnitz, and Rebecca Rubnitz, and her great-grandchildren Cora Rose Winnig and William Irvine Winnig. She was preceded in death by her parents and her brother, Norman Branovan.

Helen and Bill raised Susan and Jeffrey in Milwaukee. Helen was an active partner with Bill in the family business, Port Lanes. Helen and Bill were members of Temple Shalom in Milwaukee and Temple Beth El in Madison. The family enjoyed many happy summers at their cottage on Lac La Belle in Oconomowoc. Upon their retirement, Bill and Helen moved full time to their year-round home in Oconomowoc. They later moved to Madison, and enjoyed new friends and time with their grandchildren, Sam and Sarah. They often visited their grandchildren, Zach, Julia, and Rebecca in Tennessee. Helen was always extremely proud of her children and grandchildren. She enjoyed her new great-grandchildren.

Graveside services, with Rabbi Jonathan Biatch officiating, will be held at Forest Hill Cemetery in Madison on Sunday, March 5, 2017 at 1 p.m. 

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to a charity of your choice or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. 

Please share your memories of Helen. 

Cress Funeral & Cremation Service
3610 Speedway Road Madison
(608) 238-3434