One of Platteville’s leading philanthropists died Thursday.

Helen Stoneman Brodbeck, 95, died at Epione Pavilion in Cuba City.

Brodbeck and her husband, Richard, founded Dick’s Supermarket in 1950. Dick’s Supermarkets had locations throughout Southwest Wisconsin before the company was sold to Piggly Wiggly. Helen Brodbeck recorded radio advertisements for Dick’s and wrote a weekly column, “Check It Out.”

The UW–Platteville Center for the Arts Brodbeck Concert Hall is named for the Brodbecks. Other recipients of Brodbeck philanthropy included Platteville’s hospitals, area churches and sports facilities, and the UW–Platteville Foundation. The PHS Scholarship Fund includes an annual $1,000 Helen Stoneman Brodbeck Endowed Scholarship.

Those were known recipients of Brodbeck’s generosity. Other area causes received anonymous donations from Brodbeck.

“Helen was a classy lady with a generous heart and commitment to the community,” said businesswoman and philanthropist Cindy Tang. “Her support of youth sports, education and the arts changed Platteville. Her giving spirit is and has been an inspiration to me.”

Graveside services were held at Greenwood Cemetery Sunday. Melby Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements. (See page 5A.)

Contributions are being accepted to the Brodbeck Memorial Fund to benefit local sports.