Helga Hedwig Braseale, age 87, of Cullman, AL, passed away peacefully at her home on July 18, 2025. She was born June 6, 1938, in Pforzheim, Germany to Gottlob and Hedwig Steinle.
Helga was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Buford “Jack” Braseale, her parents, and her sister, Gisela Schroth.
Helga is survived by her daughter, Patricia Ann (Bill) Wilson, her son, John Frederick (Marcia) Braseale, her grandchildren, Amber, Adrian, Trent, and Ryan, as well as her great-grandson, Arlo. She also leaves other family members and friends who will fondly remember her.
Her memorial service will be Saturday, August 9, 2025, at Cullman Heritage Funeral Home in Cullman, AL. Visitation from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m., followed by the service at 11 a.m.
Helga met the love of her life, Jack, in 1962. He was a sergeant in the U.S. Army stationed in Kornwestheim, Germany. They married the next year and never left each other’s side until his death in 1982.
Helga grew up in Germany during WWII and her life as a child included routinely going to bomb shelters and being hungry, not knowing where their next meal would come from. She often told of how after the war, the Russians and the British would come into town and take the spoils of war. But the Americans came in with trucks loaded with food, medicine, and other supplies to give to the people. She said she fell in love with America as a child. One of her proudest moments was becoming an American citizen. She also loved Cullman and was proud that it was founded by German immigrants.
Helga was a devoted wife and mother. She loved the Lord and attended Etha Baptist Church. Helga loved to spend time with her family and friends and she will be incredibly missed.
