Helena Gasper

Helena (Steichen) Gasper, age 97 of Tipton, Kansas, passed away Monday, February 9, 2026 at the MCHHS Resident Care Center in Beloit, Kansas.

Helena was born on March 31, 1928 in Tipton, Kansas to Eugene and Theresa Steichen. She graduated from Tipton High School in 1946 and the worked at the telephone office in Tipton as a switchboard operator.

On October 15, 1946, Helena married Walter Gasper at St. Boniface Catholic Church in Tipton. They began their lives on a farm southwest of Tipton, farming and raising 9 children.

Helena was a life-long member of the St. Boniface Catholic church and a member of the St. Ann’s Altar Society. She spent countless hours in her bountiful garden and beautiful flower beds, cooking delicious meals and sewing countless hours for her growing family. Her beloved husband, Walter, passed away January 12, 1977, leaving her to raise her younger children on their farmstead. When her children were grown, she worked at Ringneck Ranch making her delicious pies and spent hours crocheting beautiful doilies and crocheted names for many lucky recipients.

Helena is survived by her children: Cheryl Gasper, Ellsworth, KS; Janice Kohn, Swansboro, NC; Kenneth (Brigit) Gasper, Tipton, KS; Dan (Lois) Gasper, Stockton, KS; Kathy (Gilbert) Houser, Salina, KS; Richard (Rhonda) Gasper, Knoxville, TN; Roger Gasper, Salina, KS; Jolene (Olin) Williamson, Hutchinson, KS; son-in-law Bill Thompson, San Angelo, TX and sisters Mary Ann Thummel, Downs, KS; Caroline (Eugene) Ellenz, Tipton; Eileen Steichen, Tipton; sister-in-law Arlene Steichen, Placentia, CA; 23 grandchildren; 31 great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

Helena was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Walter; daughter Susanne Thompson; parents Eugene and Theresa Steichen; brothers Eugene, Charles, and Raymond Steichen; sisters Crescentia “Chris” Gasper, Margaret “Margie” Brummer, and Loretta Gaunt.

Funeral services will be at 10 AM Monday, February 16 at the St. Boniface Catholic Church in Tipton. A rosary service will be at 6 PM Sunday at the Church, & visitation will be from 4 PM until the rosary service begins. Memorials may be given to Solomon Valley Hospice or the St. Boniface Church.