It is with both incomprehensible sorrow and inexplicable gratitude that the family of Helga Margarete Pugh, 84, announces her passing on Monday morning, the 8th of August, 2022.Helga was born during World War II, in Glauchau-Gesau, Germany, to Walter and Johanne (Finkennest) Krasselt. After she completed her education, and then, her apprenticeship at a local textile mill, she and her best friend, Erika Hammer, at the age of 18 or 19, defected from Communist East Germany to West Germany, living for several years in Herzogenaurach.
Helga married and emigrated from West Germany to the United States in 1963, started a family in Blue Springs, Missouri, and earned her American citizenship. She worked a number of jobs: Monroe’s Café and CAMO film developing lab in Blue Springs, and Heinz Bavarian Bakery and Woolco in Independence. When Woolco closed, she secured the position of Manager of Ladies’ Wear for the very first Blue Springs Walmart located at the corner of 7 Highway and R.D. Mize Road. She continued her position with Walmart as it moved into its next two iterations, retiring after nearly 30 years from its third and present location on NE Coronado Drive.
Helga was a hard worker, and proud of her achievements. She saved her school grade cards, her pay stubs, and the Mother-of-the-Year Award her daughter presented her with in 1976. She had a keen sense of design and decorating, and her home was always clean and welcoming. She could make a mean potato salad, and she taught her grandson to do the same thing.
Helga was Lutheran by faith, and enjoyed returning to Germany a number of times to enjoy the company of those friends with whom she shared Confirmation during her youth. She enjoyed traveling, music and dancing, laughing, and spending time with her family and friends.
Helga is survived by her daughter, Miriam Matzeder of Blue Springs, MO; her sister, Waltraud Nitzsche and husband Lutz of Glauchau-Gesau, Germany; her grandson, Jeffrey David McDaniel Jr. of Kansas City, MO; as well as great-granddaughters, LeAnna, Ma’Leah, Madison, and Kaylinda; and a number of nieces and nephews. Helga is preceded in death by her parents; her brother, Rolf Krasselt; and her sister, Inge Brosche.
It was Helga’s wishes to be cremated. Her family will recieve visitors from 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Wednesday, August 31, 2022 at Meyers Funeral Chapel, 1600 W. Main St, blue Springs, MO. Memorial service will begin at 12:30 p.m. at the chapel. In lieu of flowers, the family encourages donations to the Blue Springs Community Services League because they help families the way Helga always helped hers. Memories of Helga and words of comfort for her family may be shared at meyersfuneralchapel.com.
My very first sister in law who gave me my very first niece. She was always a special member of our family and will be missed. Love you Helga.
Helge was a special lady.
She loved my family. I am so glad that I could be a part of her life and she apart of mine. She loved on the grandchildren now matter what. She was there for my daughter like she was her granddaughter ( Ashley) and I will always love her for that. Rest in Love Helga you will be miss🖤🖤🖤
In my younger years, I always enjoyed spending time with Aunt Helga- her smile and laugh were infectious… and her work ethic was admirable!!
I worked with Helga for many years at Walmart. She was a hard worker and a great friend. When she’ would travel to Germany she would always bring me a beer stein as a gift. I missed here when she retired but always looked forward to her popping in the store with her grandson or great granddaughter !
I worked with Helga at all 3 Walmarts and yes she was a very, very hard worker. She took pride in everything she did. Helga always made me smile. Thank you for sharing all of the pictures of her interesting life. May God Bless and comfort your family.
She was a great person I always love to talk to her everyday she taught me a lot she was very good at her job she was very sweet and generous she will be missed by all
I worked with Helga at Walmart for many years she always made me laugh and always told me about her daughter,grandson and family. Praying for all the family and friends… RIP…..
Helga was a special person always had a smile and something funny to make you smile. I enjoyed working with her and hearing her stories of Germany. You will be missed thank you for being in my life. God Bless You.
I worked with Helga at WalMart. She was so interesting and a hard worker. She was fun to work with and took such pride in her area. My prayers for her family and friends.
It is with great sadness and sympathy that we said goodbye to our sister, sister-in-law and aunt.
We’ll always keep her in our hearts.
I, her sister, am glad to have spoken to her again on the phone.
Unfortunately, Helga’s wish to visit her homeland, Germany, again did not come true. We all have many fond memories of her stays in Germany.
Now she is reunited with her parents and her other two siblings.
It’s just good that she didn’t have to suffer for long.
So dear sister, we will all miss you very much. With love, your sister Waltraud with brother-in-law Lutz as well as your niece Manuela and your nephew Marko with their families.