Helen Ivanoff

Heaven gained a special angel on March 3, 2024 when Helen Gotz Pleckham Ivanoff passed away in Billings, MT.
Helen was born on February 28, 1932, in Auburndale, WI to William and Alma Gotz.
Helen married Ray Pleckham (deceased) in 1951 in Marshfield, WI. She then married Tom Ivanoff in 1968, in Peotone, IL and he survives. Other family members are Brothers: Clarence Gotz (deceased) and Ronald Gotz. Sisters: Mary Ann Handrick, Janet Larsen and, Sheela Schermetzler. Children include Richard Ivanoff (deceased), Sandy Ivanoff Wilson (Hank), Dennis Pleckham (Mary). Thomas Ivanoff Jr (Debbie), Dee Pleckham Bettenhausen (Larry), Clay Ivanoff (deceased) (Cindy), Neal Pleckham (Phyllis), Chris Ivanoff (Mila), Kelly Ivanoff (Tamra), Barry Ivanoff (Pam) and many nieces, nephews, grand-children, great-grandchildren and great-great grandchildren
Her life on the farm was busy! She was the "outside" girl as she drove tractor, milked cows, took the hay down from the hay barn, drove a jeep for loading hay, showed livestock at the fair and was the Wisconsin Holstein Association Girl of the Year for showing cattle. She worked at Weber's Grocery Store, in Marshfield, while in high school. After she married Ray Pleckham, she worked at Marshall Field's and they operated a chicken farm. After marrying Tom Ivanoff, they owned a gun shop in Peotone, IL, and in 1976 Helen and Tom moved to Cody, WY where they owned and operated the Blackwater Lodge. After working various restaurant jobs in Cody, she worked for the Colliers, helping with the children and house. In her final years, Helen was dedicated to caring for her husband Tom and keeping up with the large family that they nurtured.
A memorial mass will be celebrated at St. Anthony's Catholic Church on Monday, March 11, 2024 at 11am,with rosary starting at 10:30am.
She will always be remembered for her beautiful smile and twinkle in her eye.
Memories and condolences can be shared on Helen's memorial page at www.BallardFH.com