Liselotte Ilse Odemer-Helle

Liselotte Ilse Odemer Helle “Lilo”

Liselotte “Lilo” Helle was born in Stuttgart, Germany, in 1936, to Authr and Hermine Odemer. She grew up with her siblings Rolf, Gerhardt, Walter, Hermina, and Rosemary, who have all predeceased her, and is survived by her sister Gerda Mende and brother Waldemar Odemer.

At the tender age of 17, driven by the hope for a better life after the ravages of World War II, Lilo immigrated to the United States. She settled in Los Angeles, where fate led her to meet Anton “Tony” Helle, a fellow immigrant and aspiring soccer player from Hungary. Their shared aspirations and dreams blossomed into love, and they eventually got married.

Together, Lilo and Tony built a beautiful family, welcoming three children into their lives: Ilona, Anton “Tony”, and Iboya. The family put down roots in Orange County, where they also established their own business, Helle’s Carpet and Drapes, which became a cornerstone of their livelihood and a testament to their hard work and dedication.

In 1970, seeking new horizons and perhaps a quieter life, the Helle family moved to Lake Arrowhead. It was here that the family truly flourished across four generations, creating a legacy that would be remembered for years to come. Lilo was survived by her daughters Ilona Helle, Iboya Helle and her son Tony Helle. Her granddaughters Dominique Helle and Angelina Helle and her great grandchildren Ashlyn Rose and Bryden Rose.

After a fulfilling career, Lilo retired following 25 years of dedicated service in food and beverage for Arroyo Seco at the Lake Arrowhead Resort. Her journey from a young immigrant seeking hope to a matriarch of a thriving family is a story of resilience, love, and the relentless pursuit of a better life. Her legacy continues to inspire those who knew her, and her memory remains cherished in the hearts of her family and friends.