A Funeral Mass for Helen Schmaderer, age 87, of O'Neill will be at 10:30 am on Saturday, October 10, 2026 at St. Patrick's Catholic Church in O'Neill with burial to follow in the O'Neill Cemetery.  Fr. Bernard Starman will officiate.  Visitation will be from 5-7 pm on Friday, October 9, 2026 at Biglin's Mortuary with a Catholic Daughter Rosary at 7 pm.  Helen passed away on Friday, October 2, 2026 surrounded by her family at Avera St. Anthony's Hospital in O'Neill.  Memorials may be directed to her family for future designation.  Arrangements are entrusted to Biglin's Mortuary in O'Neill.

Helen Claire Hynes was born on February 24, 1939 in O'Neill, Nebraska to John and Loretta (Sullivan) Hynes.  She was the youngest of four children and attended St. Mary's Academy graduating in 1957.  Helen then attended St. Catherine's School of Nursing in Omaha, NE graduating in 1960.

Helen met Gerald "Jerry" Schmaderer on a blind date one cold blustery evening while home on a college break.  The couple later married on October 21, 1961 at St. Patrick's Catholic Church.  Making their home in O'Neill, Helen and Gerald raised six children (Wayne, Doug, Michele, Chuck, Greg, and Jeff) and enjoyed life together for almost 63 years.

Helen had a huge, compassionate heart and a spirited Irish fight to her. Her life was centered around service to others, her family, and her faith.  Helen worked at St. Athony's hospital in O'Neill for nearly 40 years where she cared for the sick, old, and young alike and was a member of the hospital's Service Hall of Fame.  Her family would frequently run into former patients who would comment on what a wonderful nurse she had been when caring for their families.

Helen was also a devoted and loving mother who always encouraged her children to pursue education and make the most of every opportunity, enjoying many years of being involved in their school and sporting activities.  A life-long learner, Helen was a person of many interests and enjoyed dancing, playing pitch, cake decorating, sewing, travel, reading, and flowers.  She embraced technology and became quite comfortable using her iPhone, iPad, and iWatch allowing her to stay close with all her children and grandchildren.

Perhaps Helen's greatest legacy was her faith.  She was active in many different church organizations over the years including the St. Patrick's Altar Society and the Catholic Daughters.  Helen took great pride in her Irish Heritage and her family's long association with St. Patrick's Church.  In her later years, she always had a rosary close by and viewed daily mass on her iPad when not able to leave her home.

Helen is survived by her six children, Wayne (Eunice) Schmaderer of Omaha, Doug (Kathy) Schmaderer of Covina, CA, Michele Spainhour of Huntington Beach, CA, Chuck (Lori) Schmaderer of Omaha, Greg (Ranae) Schmaderer of Omaha, and Jeff (Jennifer) Schmaderer of Bennington; 14 grandchildren, Jennifer Sluka, Kalen Schmaderer, Jaden Schmaderer, Brendan Spainhour, Briana Spainhour, Ryan Spainhour, Andrew Schmaderer, Sarah Schmaderer, Johnathan Schmaderer, Ethan Schmaderer, Colton Schmaderer, Ashten Schmaderer, Madisen Schmaderer, Baylee Schmaderer; one great grandchild, Damon Schmaderer; many nieces and nephews.

Helen was preceded in death by her parents; her husband Jerry Schmaderer in 2024; her grandson, Emerson Schmaderer in 2018, and her three siblings, Edward (Ann) Hynes, MaryJo (Chuck) Dulaney, and Bob (Pat) Hynes.