Helga Kelly was born April 29, 1937, in Berlin, Germany, where she would live until migrating to the United States in 1980. Surviving a childhood afflicted by war, Helga married and raised five children of her own. After the death of her mother, Helga desired the closeness of her sisters, one of whom lived in De Pere, Wisconsin, while the other San Jose, California, where she and her husband would live for the next 22 years. In 2002, Helga’s husband was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease and together they would relocate for the last time from California to Wisconsin.
Memories of war followed Helga throughout her life and over the years she turned to writing. Through the work of a close family friend, Helga’s stories would find their way to John Maino of WGBA NBC-26. Helga and John began collaborating to feature her experiences in his book series, Frontlines, and as a result of their time together and eventual friendship, John would encourage Helga to write a book of her own.
A Child of War is Helga’s story. Helga currently lives in an assisted living apartment in Howard.
Author Helga Kelly will be at book signing and Q&A event At Thornberry Cottage on Saturday, April 7th from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. Thornberry Cottage is located at 345 Cardinal Lane in Howard.