Helen Wills, 97, of Oshkosh, WI, passed away peacefully on Friday, October 26, 2018 at Evergreen. Clyde, her loving husband of 75 years, preceded her in death on January 25, 2018. She is survived by her children Thomas (Carol) of Tucson, Ariz, James of Oshkosh, David (Jane) of Williamsburg, Va, Walter (Lois) of Douglasville, Ga, and Kathleen (Michael) of Clearwater, Fla; brother-in-law Joseph Healey of Ishpeming, Mich, and Sister-in-Law Inga Lehtonen of Pahrump, Nev; nine grandchildren, ten great-grandchildren, and five great-great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her brothers Frank E. (Ernie) Lehtonen and Robert T. Lehtonen, sister Jeanne Healey, and great-granddaughter Poppy Rose Wills.
Born March 22, 1921 in Ironwood, Mich, Helen was the daughter of the late Frank J. and Alma M. Lehtonen. A member of First English Lutheran Church since 1951 when she moved to Oshkosh, she sang in the Senior Choir for over 50 years, directed the Children’s Choir, was a member of the Congregational Council and worked on the Passover Tableau. She was a frequent featured soloist and especially loved singing duets with her son, David, and her daughter, Kathy. She also was the church secretary for 10 years. Helen was active in the Cecilian Singers, Oshkosh Choraliers and the Oshkosh Community Players, both on and off stage. She worked with the Miss Wisconsin Pageant as a chaperone for many years.
Lovingly involved in her children’s lives, Helen enjoyed baking. The house was always filled with the smells of fresh baked breads, rolls, and cookies. These smells ensured a steady stream of friends stopping by to visit and play. She was a Cub Scout Den Mother for over 10 years with Pack 103 (Merrill School) and Pack 105 (Emmeline Cook School). She was an accomplished seamstress and knitter. She made many costumes for her children and theatrical performances. Always knitting on long trips, her children were the recipients of warm mittens, ski caps, scarves and sweaters.
After retirement she developed a love of painting, quilting and weaving. Helen and Clyde enjoyed traveling throughout the country with Elderhostel and the world to destinations that included Mexico, England, France, Finland, Russia, and New Zealand. For many years, she enjoyed the comradery of the “Y ladies,” who remained loyal friends long after she stopped exercising at the YMCA.
A visitation will be held on Saturday, November 3, 2018, from 10:00-11:00 A.M. at First English Lutheran Church, 1013 Minnesota Street, Oshkosh, followed by a Memorial Service at 11:00 A.M. Interment will be at the Negaunee City Cemetery in Negaunee, Mich on November 5, 2018.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Helen’s honor to the First English Lutheran Church Music Ministry Fund.
