Helen Ann Gillingham

Helen Ann Gillingham, 82, of Gillingham, passed away on July 21, 2024, at the Richland Hospital. Helen was born on April 9, 1942, in Richland Center, to Byron and Pauline (Felton) Patch. She graduated from Viola High School in 1960 as valedictorian. She attended the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse before pursuing correspondence courses in accounting. She worked for Ripon Knitting Works and NCR in Viroqua, before serving as the clerk-treasurer of the Village of Viola for over 20 years. Helen then became the business manager for Viola Health Services until her retirement. Helen married Kenneth Gillingham on February 11, 1974, in Waukon, Iowa. She and Ken spent many years farming Helen's family farm in the Town of Marshall and Ken's family farm in the Town of Rockbridge.
Helen's greatest joy was her family. She enjoyed cataloging family pictures and researching family history. She had fond memories of times spent with her Felton and Patch cousins. Helen was a past member of the Richland Club and enjoyed many summers at the cabin on Pigeon Lake near Drummond, Wisconsin. She was incredibly proud of her grandchildren and delighted in watching their athletic events via YouTube.
Helen is survived by her daughter Erin (Chris) Scharlau of Edgerton, Wisconsin; grandchildren Jillian and Owen Scharlau; sister Norma Jean Frank of Sitka, Alaska; two special nephews Lowell Frank of Puyallup, Washington, and Tim Frank of Spartanburg, South Carolina; special step-daughter Lisa (Derek McDonagh) Dobbs of Phoenix, Arizona; sisters-in-law Alice (Steve) Manuell of Hartland, Wisconsin, and Lesley Gillingham of Eau Claire, Wisconsin; many cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends.
Helen was preceded in death by her parents and her husband.
Per Helen's wishes, no formal funeral services will be held. Memorials may be directed to the Fancy Creek Cemetery Association, Mount Tabor Cemetery Association, or a charity of your choice.