Helen M. McElligott, 87, passed away surrounded by family at her home in Rhinelander on December 20th. Born November 3rd, 1924 in Chicago, IL to Mary (Miskinis) and Joseph Stukas, she grew up in the West Pullman community of Chicago and graduated from St. Louis Academy in 1942. She is survived by four children; James J. (Nancy) McElligott of Alpharetta, GA, Joan M. (Robb) Jensen of Rhinelander, WI, Michael P. (Victoria) McElligott of Naperville, IL, and Mary P. McElligott of Chicago, IL; five grandchildren, Chelsea (Josh) Fealey, Andrea Jensen, Chelsea (Tim) Niemeth, Eirk Jensen, and Jeanine (Charles) Morris and great-granddaughter, Aurora Morris. She was preceded in death by her husband of 56 years, James and brother Albert. Helen was affectionately known by her beloved husband, Jim, family, and friends as "Queenie." She enjoyed an active family life that involved several relocations throughout America and spent three wonderful years in Holland. Upon her husband's retirement in 1986, they relocated to Crescent Lake and Helen spent 10 years at DeByles Clothing as a sales associate. Her time at DeByles transitioned the "Chicago girl" to the Rhinelander area and provided many lifelong friends. Her retirement was spent actively enjoying friends and extended visits by children and grandchildren at her lakeside home. Helen is remembered as a warm and generous woman with a wonderful sense of humor. The family extends special thanks to "her girls" with Helping Hands, the staff at Ministry Hospice, Father John Gerritts, and Dr. Koeppl. In lieu of other expressions of sympathy, donations may be made in Helen's name to the Nativity of Our Lord Church in Rhinelander. Carlson Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements for burial services in Chicago and invites all to sign Helen's guest book on-line at www.carlsonfh.com. Area friends are invited to attend a remembrance social at the Claridge on December 27th from 5 to 7 p.m.
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