Helene Isabel Reedy Enderlin

Helene Isabel Reedy Enderlin, 103, of Madison, WI, formerly of Galesburg, died at 10:44 a.m. Wednesday, September 14, 2016 at Capital Lakes Skilled Nursing, Madison, WI.

Helene was born in Stronghurst Illinois October 31, 1912, the daughter of William and Ellen Ryan Reedy. Helene was raised on a farm in rural Stronghurst and attended four years of high school in Monmouth, Illinois. After graduation in 1930, she was employed by Illinois Banker’s Life Insurance Company in Monmouth until marriage to her soulmate, James Jerome Enderlin of Alexis, on October 17, 1934. They lived in Alexis for five years before moving to their farm near Rio where they resided for 55 years. They were married for 67 years and were best friends and best supports for each other through their long and happy marriage until Jim’s death in 2002.

Helene is survived by two daughters, Janice Enderlin of Galesburg Illinois, Sharon Lampe (Ronald) of Monona Wisconsin; three grandsons, James Lampe (Katherine), Richard Lofgren (Margaret), Douglass Lampe (Jacqueline); and 3 great-grandchildren, Tierney Lofgren, Sean Lofgren and Anika Lampe. Her only surviving sibling is her youngest sister, Jeanne (Martin) Maher of Galesburg Illinois.

She was preceded in death by family members: husband James Enderlin; daughter, Carole Elaine McKnight; parents William and Ellen Reedy; sister, Marie Strandberg; brother William Reedy; infant sister, Frances and many beloved nieces and nephews and other relatives.

Helene and Jim did everything together during their long marriage. They owned a ceramics business and provided lessons for ten years; grew and sold over 200 varieties of hybrid iris; volunteered at St. Mary’s Hospital and the American Cancer Society for 15 years. She was president of the Rio Women’s and Junior Women’s Clubs. Helene had a life-long love of reading history, economics, philosophy, politics and music. Over the years, Helene collected many books of poetry and took composition courses to instruct her writing projects. She loved listening to all types of music, especially opera and classical music. Travel was very important to Helene and Jim and they made sure that their daughters had multiple opportunities to travel throughout the United States and Europe. They traveled internationally, also: Italy, Austria, Germany, Ireland and France. Throughout her life she worked on genealogy of the family and has provided a trove of information for the following generations with a rich background of their ancestry, including a great deal of anecdotal data.

Helene lived a very long and full life. She was dedicated throughout her life to provide the richest experience possible for her children and grandchildren. Further, her generosity and support was given to all people in need, as evidenced by a life-time of service to others.

The Rosary will be prayed at 11 a.m. Monday September 19, 2016 at St. Theresa Catholic Church, Alexis, IL. The funeral mass will follow at 12 p.m. Burial will be in St. Mary’s Cemetery, Alexis, IL. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Watson-Thomas Funeral Home and Crematory, Galesburg. Expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at www.watsonthomas.com.