Helen M. Keusch, Jasper IN, age 82

Helen M. Keusch, Jasper IN, age 82, died on Aug 16th at Brookside Village. She had been a resident there since May of 2021 when she entered care as the result of a stroke.

Mrs. Keusch was born January 7, 1943, in Evansville, IN, to James and Katheryn (Eakins) Zuber. She married Eugene “Gene” Keusch on May 28, 1966 at St. Peter and Paul’s Catholic Church in Haubstadt, IN. They had recently celebrated 59 years of marriage.

Surviving is her husband, Gene, three daughters, Jeannie (Greg) Galbreath, Janet (Michael) Austin, and Elizabeth (Beth) Keusch and six grandchildren, Hannah Austin, Emma Austin, Claire Austin, Katheryn Galbreath, Sarah Eckels-Galbreath and Alex Galbreath.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her sister and two half-brothers, James S. Zuber and an infant boy Eakins.

Mrs. Keusch graduated from Evansville College in 1965 with a bachelor’s degree in music education. She went on to earn a master’s degree in music education from Indiana State University, followed by an endorsement in social studies from the University of Southern Indiana.

She began her teaching career in the Princeton and Greater Jasper school systems, focusing on general music. The majority of her career, however, was spent with the Southeast Dubois School Corporation, where she taught not only general music but also eighth grade social studies and U.S. history to high school juniors.

Teaching was truly her calling. She had a deep love for her students, especially her eighth graders, and found great joy in working with them. Her passion extended beyond the classroom—she served as coach of the eighth grade academic and Spell Bowl teams for 18 years. She also took on leadership roles, including serving as head of the social studies department for five years.

After 32 years of dedicated service, Mrs. Keusch retired from the Southeast Dubois School Corporation in 2000.Mrs. Keusch spent many years as a church organist, first at Jasper Presbyterian Church and later at Sacred Heart Parish in Schnellville, Indiana. While at Sacred Heart, she helped grow the church choir, laying the groundwork for the vibrant group it is today.

Beyond the church pews, she accompanied hundreds of young musicians in choral concerts, high school musicals, and solo and ensemble contests. But her musical talents didn’t stop there. At local parties, much to the delight of her Schnellville neighbors, she was known to let loose on the piano with a rollicking version of “Georgia Porcupine”.

Mrs. Keusch had a passion for local history and genealogy. She was an active member of the Dubois County Genealogical Society and found great joy in exploring old cemeteries. She not only traced her own family’s roots, but also helped many others uncover their ancestry.

A woman of many interests, Helen was a dedicated member of the Shanghai-Rum card ladies of Lake Helmerich Village, playing weekly with her group of friends. She also enjoyed bird watching and photography, working often to capture images of the local wildlife, flowers, and of course, family.

Helen deeply loved her family, especially her beloved “Grands,” and she had a soft spot for all the cats who chose her as their human. She also cherished her time with her only sister; the two made regular trips to the mall in Evansville, where shopping and eating out were their shared rituals of connection.

Friends may call from 12:00PM until 4:00PM at Becher Kluesner Downtown Chapel in Jasper, Indiana. Services will take place at 4:00PM at the funeral home following visitation. Graveside services will take place at a later date. In lieu of flowers or other remembrances, the family kindly requests that memorial contributions be made to the Forest Park Band or the Dubois County Humane Society.Helen’s family would also like to express their heartfelt gratitude to the staff of Brookside Village. The care and compassion shown not only to Helen but to her entire family have been profoundly felt and deeply appreciated.

Online condolences may be made at www.becherkluesner.com.