Lillabelle McCarthy

Lillabelle H. McCarthy (nee Fredrich), 99, Wausau, was taken home by Jesus, her Savior, on Saturday , June 7, 2014 at the Hospice House under the care of Aspirus Comfort Care and Hospice Services.

She was the daughter of Leo G. and Hulda (Adamsheck) Fredrich and was born on March 18, 1915 in Minocqua, WI. On May 23, 1915, she was baptized in the Minocqua Lutheran Church. The family moved to Rothschild a few years later and Belle was confirmed as a teenager at First English Lutheran Church, Wausau.

An accomplished pianist at an early age, Belle provided piano music as background for the silent movies which were shown at the former Rothschild Auditorium. She was also the accompanist for dance recitals in the village. Before Wausau had a radio station, Belle was a weekly featured pianist for the radio station in Stevens Point.

Belle was a 1932 graduate of Wausau Senior High School. She was chosen to compete in the Wisconsin State typing contest in Madison where she was State Runner-Up to her cousin, Raymond Fredrich of Mosinee.

Also in 1932, Belle began working at Employers Mutual Insurance. That year, she met her beloved future husband, Ronald McCarthy. They were married in 1934 and were blessed with 64 wonderful years together. She continued working at Employers, beginning in the steno department and concluded her career as a vice-presidential secretary.

She and Ron were faithful members of Zion Lutheran Church. Belle was a member of the Zion Altar Guild. She also belonged to the Valparaiso University Guild for many years.
Belle is survived by her daughter, Sharon Jensen; grandsons and their wives, Russell and Maria Jensen of Schaumburg, IL, Karl and Kathryn Jensen of Ogden, UT and Michael and Patricia Jensen of Houston, TX; great-grandchildren, Paul, Georgina, Nathan and Daniel Jensen; very special niece, Patricia McCarthy Tomson of Mason City, IA and several Fredrich and Adamsheck cousins. She is preceded in death by her husband; her parents; her brother, Russell Fredrich; Ron's parents, William and Emily Mintzlaff McCarthy; and son-in-law, Colonel Norman K. Jensen.

The celebration of Belle's passing to eternity will be at 11:00 AM on Wednesday, June 11 at Zion Lutheran Church, Wausau. Reverend Steven Gjerde will officiate. Visitation will begin at 10:00 AM on Wednesday until the time of service at the church. Belle's earthly body will be laid to rest beside her beloved husband in Pine Grove Cemetery, Wausau. Helke Funeral Home is assisting the family with the arrangements, you may sign our family guestbook at www.helke.com.