Helen June Pomatto, 89, loving wife, mother, aunt and friend passed away on July 11, 2024 surrounded by family and friends after a valiant battle with Alzheimer’s. Before this terrible disease robbed her of her mind, and life, June, as she was known, was a vibrant force in the lives of all who knew her, and the Kenosha community at large. A well-known artist in southeast Wisconsin, June displayed her work throughout the area at such venues as Anderson Arts Center, the Artists Gallery in Racine, and Lemon Street Gallery among many others. In 2014 she was honored with the Anderson Arts Center’s award for Lifetime Achievement. Creating new work until near the end, June won Best in Show at Anderson’s Winter Show in January of 2022 at the age of 87.
In addition to her work as an artist, June was active in her local chapter of AAUW, the Third Avenue Book Club, crisis pregnancy centers, PFLAG, and was the organist/pianist for her church where she also led weekly Bible studies.
Helen June Pomatto was born on February 18, 1935, the first child of the Rev. Paul Mitchell and Rev. Joanne Mitchell. After living above Peniel Tabernacle in downtown Kenosha for the first eight years of June’s life, the Mitchell’s moved to “heaven.” Otherwise known as a house in Somers on the shores of Lake Michigan. The many flowers, birds, fruit trees, and the lake itself were the inspiration for much of June’s budding artistry. And the bustling life of a minister’s family imbued in her a lifelong love of God and people.
June graduated Mary D. Bradford High School in 1952. Following in her parent’s footsteps, she attended Elim Bible Institute. But, soon art called, and June enrolled at the Art Institute of Chicago. After a year in Chicago, she transferred to the University of Wisconsin- Milwaukee where she would receive a BFA in Art in 1966, and an MS in Art in 1968.
After a year teaching at Tremper High School in Kenosha, June became the art instructor at Zion Benton High School in 1969, where she met the love of her life, Thomas Wayne Pomatto. Following a quick courtship, they were married on February 14, 1970. Their son, Perryn Pomatto, arrived four years later. Once Perryn reached school age, June returned to teaching art at various Catholic schools in the area. After retiring from teaching, June became the activities coordinator for several nursing homes in the Kenosha/Racine area before ending her working career in day care.
June is survived by her loving husband Thomas Pomatto, beloved son Perryn Pomatto, son-in-law Michael DeRosa, sisters Carol Larsen and Jacqueline Mitchell, nieces Kelly Larsen, Courtney Larsen, Melinda Moore, Jenny Ruparez, Anne Hendrick, and nephew Kevin Larsen, along with many great nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her parents, Revs Paul and Joanne Mitchell and brother J. Paul Mitchell.
A Celebration of Life for June will be held on Friday, July 26th at 11:00 a.m.at Lord of Life Lutheran Church 5601 Washington Road, Kenosha, WI. Visitation will be held on Friday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service. Inurnment will follow at Sunset Ridge Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Alzheimer’s Association in June’s name.