Jerome Theodore Helgren

Born February 17, 1937, in Wakefield, Nebraska to Levi and Emma (Nelson) Helgren.

He is survived by his wife, Edna Elisabeth (Steitz) Helgren; two children, Desiree (Keith) Anderson of Hendersonville, North Carolina and John (Christina) Helgren of Homer, New York; five grandchildren, Erik (Abby) Anderson, Nia Anderson, Hannah (Erik) Rhodes, Johannes (Danielle) Helgren and Lucia (Taylor) Flowers; three great-grandchildren, Jayce Anderson, Halldor Helgren and Fritz Flowers; three siblings, Curtiss (Elizabeth) Helgren of Hart, Michigan, Janice Helgren of Denver, Colorado, and Joyce (Don) Siecke of Denver, Colorado; three brothers-in-law in Germany, Albert (Martha) Steitz, Helmut (Christel) Steitz, and Arthur (Sigrid) Steitz; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Jerome was born on a farm in Nebraska. As a youth he participated in 4-H and the Future Farmers of America (FFA). He was selected to the National FFA Chorus in 1954. In 1955 Jerome joined the United States Army. He served in Germany post-World War II, and met his wife while in Germany.

After service in the Army, he returned to Nebraska to farm and raise Angus cattle. Jerome and Edna were married on March 28, 1959 (66 years) in Wakefield, Nebraska. In 1962 he moved his family to Illinois to manage Picket Fence Farm in Grayslake. Under Jerome’s leadership the farm became an internationally well-known Aberdeen Angus cattle breeding farm. The herd won many state and national awards over 2 decades, including several grand champions and sires of the year. Jerome himself earned the role as a leading livestock judge and breeder. He received numerous national and international awards. When the herd dispersed, Picket Fence, Inc. transformed into a USDA quarantine station for livestock exporting to Australia, New Zealand, and various other countries.

Jerome treasured time with his family, especially attending his grandchildren’s sporting and music events. He became a fine wood craftsman and made furniture and gifts for family and friends.

He was a longtime member of the United Methodist Church, having recently transferred to First

United Methodist Church in Pekin from Lake Villa United Methodist Church.

His memorial service will be at 11 a.m. Saturday, October 4, 2025 at Pekin First United Methodist Church. Pastor Sean Peters will officiate. Visitation will be 30 minutes prior. Burial will be at Glendale Cemetery in Washington. Cremation has been accorded by Preston-Hanley Funeral Homes & Crematory in Pekin.

Memorial contributions may be made to OSF Richard L. Owens Hospice Home 8630 IL-91, Peoria, Illinois 61615, Lake Villa United Methodist Church 110 McKinley Ave, Lake Villa, Illinois 60046 or Pekin First United Methodist Church 1315 Court St, Pekin, IL 61554.

To express condolences online visit www.preston-hanley.com