Eleanor G. Helwig

Eleanor G. HelwigOf Batavia, IL, passed away Monday, May 15, 2006 at Delnor Community Hospital, Geneva due to ALS.BORN: She was born April 20, 1931 in Chicago, IL. Adopted at birth by Ted and Signey (Erlandson) Goethe, Eleanor grew up in Galesburg, IL where she graduated from high school and went on to graduate from North Park College.MARRIAGE On October 20, 1951, she was united in marriage to Stanley F. Helwig. They made their home in Galesburg until 1963 when they moved to Arlington Heights. Omaha, Nebraska became home from 1971 until 1982 when they returned to Illinois and settled in Wheaton. In 2001 they moved to the present family home at The Holmstad in Batavia. OCCUPATION / WORK HISTORY Eleanor’s life was devoted to her husband and children, of whom she was very proud. Through the years, grandchildren came to know her love and pride as well as her quick wit and dry humor, which endeared Grandma to all of their friends. MEMBERSHIPS Throughout her life, Eleanor was a member of the Covenant Church where she was active in the Galesburg Covenant, Northwest Covenant in Mt. Prospect, IL, First Omaha Covenant, Omaha, NE, as well as the Glen Ellyn and Batavia Covenant Churches. LIFE NOTES Eleanor was an athlete all of her life. As a youth, she worked as a lifeguard and enjoyed swimming to the very last weeks of her life. Along the way, Eleanor also played softball, basketball, tennis and was an avid golfer as well. She had a heart for dogs, especially Dachshunds whom she adored, and passed many hours watching birds. A serious St. Louis Cardinal’s fan and very serious about reading, Eleanor also loved a good mystery novel and accumulated a vast library of them. A math major in college, Eleanor enjoyed Soduko, crossword puzzles and brain teasers of every kind. Also the "handy-man" in the family she remodeled rooms, fixed the garbage disposal and was undaunted by anything that went haywire at home. SURVIVORS In addition to her husband, Stan, she is survived by four children: Cynthia of Needham, MA;Ted (Dawn) of Chicago, ILJon (Denise) of Cincinnati, OH andDavid (Nancy) of Thousand Oaks, CA.Nine grandchildren and two step-grandchildren.Ted’s: Nathan, Britta and Hanna;Jon’s: Fred, Neil, Erik and Nicole and step-children: Laurice Talbert and Denise (Alonzo) Wise; David’s: Scott and Mary Two siblings: David (Joyce) Goethe of Godfrey, IL and Thomas Goethe of Salt Lake City, UT.As well as several nieces and nephews and many friends. PRECEDED She is preceded in death by her parents, Ted and Signey GoetheVISITATION / FUNERAL A memorial service will be held Sunday, May 28, 2006 at 3pm at the Evangelical Covenant Church, Main Street, Batavia, IL. The Rev. Christopher Ek will officiate. Refreshment and casual fellowship will follow. Following cremation, private family committal services will later be held. MEMORIAL In lieu of flowers memorials may be made in her name to either of two recipients:North Park University3225 West Foster Avenue, Chicago, IL 60625 or ALS-Therapy Development Foundation215 First Street, Cambridge, MA 02142

A memorial sevice will be held Sunday, May 28, 2006 at 3PM at the Evangelical Covenant Church, Main Street, Batavia, Il. The Rev. Christopher Ek will officiate. Refreshment and casual fellowship will follow. Following cremation, private family committal services will be held at a later date.

Following cremation, private family committal services will later be held. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made in her name to either of two recipients:North Park University3225 West Foster Avenue, Chicago, IL 60625 or ALS-Therapy Development Foundation215 First Street, Cambridge, MA 02142.