Waunakee / Dodgeville – Helen Margaret (Lins) Rundhaug, age 98, of Waunakee, formerly of Dodgeville, passed away on Tuesday, March 22, 2016 at Waunakee Manor.

She was born on February 5, 1918 in Spring Green, WI, the daughter of Joseph and Clara (Thering) Lins. Helen grew up on a dairy farm and graduated from Spring Green High School. She enjoyed living in Madison, working at St. Mary's Hospital and Oscar Mayer. On May 12, 1942, she married Marvel A. Rundhaug and journeyed through life with him until his death on January 26, 1999. Throughout her life she was a faithful member of St. Joseph's Church in Dodgeville.

It's not possible to summarize a life of 98 years. Helen lived a full life, enjoying cooking, baking, canning, sewing, gardening, playing cards, farming and traveling with Marvel. She was very creative writing poetry, quilting, embroidery, ceramics, and loved music, playing the piano, harmonica and accordion. Helen's life was truly centered around farm, faith, friends and family. She was a special person with a unique sense of humor and lively personality. There's a reason why her nickname growing up was "Sparky" and many would say she was simply a "hoot."

Helen is survived by six children, Mary Ellen (Stan) Hahn, Marlene, LeRoy (Julie), Ron (Karen), Joan (Craig) Witz, Karen (Mark) Rundhaug Sherman; 14 grandchildren; eight great grandchildren; other relatives and friends.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, March 28, 2016 at ST. JOSEPH'S CATHOLIC CHURCH in Dodgeville. Monsignor Daniel Ganshert will officiate. Burial will be held in St. Joseph's Cemetery. Friends may call from 9:30 a.m. until time of Mass on Monday at the church.

"Taunt strings loosened, the knots untied, her fingers opened and dropped what they had been holding onto so tightly. Her shoulders lightened, freed of what they had been carrying. Go, let go; where the wind sweeps and the tide takes, she let go."

You were truly a force in our life Mom. Thank you and we love you!