Helen C. DeBruin (Cathcart)

Helen C. De Bruin (Cathcart), age 100, of Salem Lakes, WI, passed away on January 13th, 2026, at Archwood Senior Living. She was born on July 8th, 1925, with her identical twin sister Vera, in Oklahoma to the late Frank Cathcart and Elizabeth (Allman) Cathcart. Shortly after birth, her family moved to St. Louis, Missouri where she was raised.

In 1943, at the age of 18, Helen and Vera trained as riveters at Curtiss-Wright to build Navy A-25 attack planes and C-46 transport planes. During a temporary layoff, they took on jobs as welders making boilers for ships before returning to their previous positions at Curtiss-Wright where they worked 10–12-hour days. On July 10th, 1945, the two sisters joined the Women’s Marine Corps. They were assigned to active duty on August 6th, 1945, less than 5 weeks before Japan surrendered on September 2nd. The two were released from duty on August 15th, 1946. On September 5th, 1947, Helen reenlisted in the Marine Corps Reserves for 3 years, 2 of those 3 years she trained men at Parris Island, South Carolina. She was honorably discharged after 3 years of service in 1950. 

On August 6th, 1949, Helen married Donald De Bruin in Quantico, Virginia at a Marine Corps Wedding. The couple moved to Kenosha, WI to start a family where they raised three boys: Douglas, Curtis and Kevin. She got a job at American Motors in 1952 with her husband Donald. In 1962 they bought a farm in Salem, WI where they raised cattle, pigs, chicken and fields of corn, oats, wheat, soybeans and alfalfa. In 1972 they sold their farm and moved back to Kenosha. The couple later moved to Phoenix, AZ where the two enjoyed many years of comfortable retirement. Donald passed at his home in Arizona on July 5th, 2007. 

Helen enjoyed singing in the church choir, crafting, ceramics, golf and visits by her family.

Helen was very proud of her military background and in 1997 she and Vera were featured on the cover in a book, “Tough Times, Strong Women” about women workers in World War II.

Helen is survived by her sons: Douglas, Curtis (Laura), Kevin (Allison), and grandchildren: Dr. Heather, Jason (Katelyn), Kayla (Jason), Dustin (Tiffany), Eric (Krista), Stefanie (Jack) and many great and great-great grandchildren. 

The family would like to give a heartfelt thank you to the staff at Archwood Senior Living in Salem. Another special thank you to Legacy Hospice for going above and beyond the family’s expectations for keeping Mom comfortable in her final days. 

Helen and Donald will be laid to rest at Southern Wisconsin Veteran’s Memorial Cemetery in Union Grove, WI. 

Casey Family Options Funerals & Cremations

3016 75th Street Kenosha WI 53142

262-653-0667

www.caseyfamilyoptions.com