Helen Mae Nightingale Searles, age 88 of Beaver Dam, passed away on Saturday, December 21, 2013 at Golden Living Center in Beaver Dam.

Helen was born in Burnett, WI on September 28, 1925 to Carl and Erma (nee Jolitz) Backhaus. She graduated from Beaver Dam High School and lived in Beaver Dam her entire life. She was united in marriage to Harold Nightingale on October 4, 1947. She was then married to Gloy Searles on May 5, 1979. Helen worked at Langmack's Drug Store, Elliott's Stores and Hometown Glass. She was an active member of First Ev. Lutheran Church in Beaver Dam, where she was a member of the Ladies Aide.

Helen is survived by her daughter, Toni (David) Miller; sisters, Delores Winter and Ruth (Harold) Marthaler; brothers, Hilbert (Phyllis) Backhaus and Carl (Lois) Backhaus; brother-in-law, Theodore Weber; step-son, James (Karen) Searles, step-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husbands; sisters, Betty Weber and Marilyn Balke; brothers-in-law, Lawrence Winter and Don Balke and son-in-law, John Urdahl.

A Funeral Service for Helen will be held on Friday, December 27, 2013 at 11:00 a.m. at First Ev. Lutheran Church, 311 W. Mackie Street, Beaver Dam with Rev. Terry Larson officiating. Visitation will take place prior to the service at church, beginning at 10:00 a.m. Burial will be at Oakwood Cemetery, Beaver Dam.

Cornerstone Funeral & Cremation Services in Beaver Dam is honored to be serving the family.