Helen Larsen beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, sister and aunt, passed away peacefully on September 10, 2018, at P.A. Peterson Nursing home in Rockford, IL after several years of struggling with dementia.
Helen was born April 9, 1940 in Soldiers Grove, WI to Alert Burkum and Cornelia (Olson) Burkum. She moved to Rockford, IL with the family in 1953 & graduated from Rockford West High School. She married Johnny Poole in 1958 and had three daughters. She was later divorced. She married Duane (Pete) Larsen on October 18, 1980.
Helen will be missed by her family and many friends who have fond memories of Christmas parties, pool parties and birthday parties that she and Pete hosted for many years. She always had a smile and cheerful greeting for everyone.
Helen was predeceased by her mother and father and brothers, Arlo and Henry, and sister Charlotte. She is survived by her husband Duane (Pete) Larsen, daughters Julie (Michael) Burke, Laura (John) Stanton and Susan (Jeff) Kilgore, step children Sandra (Gordy) Campbell, Virginia (Herb) Hamm, Lori Larsen (Jaycee) and William Larsen, sisters Geri (Bob) Davis, Clermont, FL. and Lori (Jim) Gaddis, St. George, Utah. Grandchildren, Brandon, Ryan, Tristan, Shynell, Jared, Amy and Rory. Great Grandchildren, Brayden, Byren, Bryce, Damon & many nieces, nephews and cousins.
Helen worked at Warner-Lambert for 30 years before retiring. She was a lifelong member of The Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd, Rockford, IL. Visitation Monday Sept. 17th from 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm. Funeral Tuesday, Sept. 18th at 10:00 a.m. at Sunset Funeral Home, 8800 North Alpine Road, Machesney Park, Il 61115. Memorials can be made to Transitions Hospice Rockford, IL or The Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd.
SHARE OBITUARY
v.1.8.18