Lake Country is a small community in that so many people know each other, are related to each other or have friends in common. Maybe it’s because the lifestyle is so popular. Many residents have deep roots in this area and are so fond of raising their own families here.
Such is the case with Helen. To know her is to be welcomed into a Lake Country tradition of friendship and hospitality that started years ago when she was a young girl. I was surprised to realize that I know some of her family members and share her love of sailing and all things water!
The saying goes, “You’re as young as you feel”, and this holds true for Helen. Her golden years don’t seem to be slowing her down! Today, her super power is sharing her love of this community in many ways through volunteerism. Her bright spirit and friendly manner make her a standout ambassador for her hometown of Pewaukee. The photo shown in the article shows her standing in front of her many awards and recognitions for her volunteer work, one of which is the US Presidential Award for Volunteerism. I’m pleased to introduce Helen Steinman Ackley.
Meet Helen Steinman Ackley
Helen was born in Sheboygan and grew up in Whitefish Bay where her Dad worked for his father’s company in Milwaukee, Steinman Lumber. Her senior year of high school her family moved to Oconomowoc. All the men in her family were sailors. Her grandparents had a home on the north shore of Pewaukee Lake. Her parents rented a cottage across the lake from them during the summers. She spent her summers sailing, swimming, diving, skiing, and playing on the water in Lake Country. She met her husband, John Ackley, through friends they both knew on the lake. They married after John graduated from Ripon College. She finished her degree after marriage. They settled in Pewaukee and raised their 2 kids there.
About Helen Steinman Ackley
Q: Please tell us a little bit about your family.
John and I had 2 kids. Our son, John Ackley Jr., and our daughter, Donna- married Mark Muehl. I have 1 granddaughter, Ashley Muehl Wright. She and her husband Michael have 2 daughters, Kami, 10, and Skyler, 5.
Q: Please tell us about your life and what you do (whether working in our community, a business owner, volunteer, etc.). How did you choose that path?
I taught PE at Pewaukee Elementary from 1969-1979. Then, I was an insurance agent in Pewaukee for about 15 yrs. It is during this time that I began my volunteer work. I am a charter member of Positively Pewaukee and continue to sell raffle tickets at Waterfront Wednesdays, The Taste of Lake Country, and any other events in the area. Just look for me in my red hat. Some years were spent volunteering for the Pewaukee Area Arts Council and the Pewaukee Library. I have maintained the garden at Peffer Park for years and worked as a Docent at the Clark House until recently. Volunteering at Pewaukee Food Pantry is something I’ve done for as long as I can remember.
Q: What do you love most about what you do?
The people. I meet so many and have learned so much along the way.
Q: What do you find is the most rewarding thing about your life overall?
Aside from the people and all I have learned along the way, I have been grateful for the recognition I have received over the years. In 1996 I received the President’s Volunteer Service Award. I was named Citizen of the Year in 2010 by the Chamber of Commerce. In 2020, I received a Proclamation from the Village of Pewaukee President for dedication and commitment to volunteerism in Pewaukee and the greater community. Also in 2020, The Pewaukee Area Arts Council Awarded me the Extraordinary Women as a community volunteer.
Q: What are some of your future goals? Do you have anything exciting coming up that you would like to share?
I am doing what I’d like to be doing after retirement. Giving back to the community I love.
Q: What advice would you give to someone interested in doing something similar to what you have done/are doing?
Find something that interests you and ask where you can help. Chances are you will find more and more to do as you network.
Helen Steinman Ackley & Our Community
Q: What is your favorite thing about our community, favorite thing to do, or something unique about our community that you love? (Feel free to share as much as you’d like!)
The friendship of the people. Everywhere I go, I see people I know. I taught them, insured them, showed them around the Clark House, or sold them raffle tickets!
Q: Who is an interesting person you’ve met here in our community, and how have they inspired you?
Judy Litvan. She is a long time friend and is so invested in our community. She is an enthusiastic volunteer and is a good person through and through.
Q: Do you have a favorite coffee shop, cocktail shop, or restaurant?
The Crossings. I have met there for breakfast with friends for decades.
Q: What 3 words would you use to describe our community?
Friendly, full-of-opportunity, active.
For Fun
Q: What is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
I have done water ballet.
Q: What is your favorite book, TV show, movie, poem, or song? Why?
Anything Josh Groban.
Q: If you were a drink (can be a coffee drink, alcoholic, non-alcoholic, etc.), what would you be?
Iced tea. It’s refreshing!
Q: If you could have lunch with anyone, who would it be with? Why?
My dear departed friend Marylyn Watson. She was a dynamic force in our area.
Q: What is something on your bucket list?
Just don’t dunk my head in.
Q: What makes you the happiest?
I am just a happy person, I don’t get unhappy. Whatever it is I am doing I enjoy.
Q: Any general life advice you would like to share?
Take advantage of all Lake Country has to offer.
Where to Find Helen Steinman Ackley
Email: donna_muehl@hotmail.com
Phone: (262) 312-4788
