Be the first to share your favorite memory, photo or story of
Helen.
This memorial page is dedicated for family, friends and future generations to celebrate
the life of their loved one.
We ask on behalf of the family that you keep your comments uplifting and appropriate
to help all who come here to find comfort and healing.
Obituary for Helen Gilfillan
Helen Gilfillan, born in Racine, WI on January 23, 1920 passed away at the Continuing Care Center in Grantsburg on December 22, 2015 surrounded by her loving family.
Helen met James Gilfillan in southwestern Minnesota where he worked on the family farm and they married in February of 1938. To this union three children were born, Billie (Cal) Lundquist, James (Nancy) Gilfillan, Jr., and Rita (Gary) Gjonnes.
In 1952 they left the farm and moved to Minneapolis where Helen worked at Munsingwear. Later on Jim and Helen had saved up enough to purchase several lots on Farm Island Lake in Northern Minnesota where they would spec build and sell several cabins. For about 10 years, every week-end the family would head out to the lake where many of our most cherished memories were made. The big snapper Dad caught, sleeping outside under the stars, oh and the time the dog got his leg broke which created an emergency trip to the vet.
In the early sixties the family moved to Luck, WI when Jim and Helen decided to purchase the Luck-E-Tavern. Helen gave it her all and became one of the best self-taught cooks in all of Polk County. Through the years Helen hosted many banquets, community events and business Christmas parties at the Luck-E including the Lions Club, American Legion, Area Commercial Clubs, the Winter Carnival Royalty and several snowmobile clubs just to name a few.
Helen loved to league bowl and never missed a tournament or a banquet. In the early 80s while still running the Luck-E, Helen and her daughter, Rita started up a clothing store in Luck called The Fashion Post which they operated for several years.
Helen was preceded in death by her husband, James Gilfillan; son, James Gilfillan Jr.; grandson, James Gilfillan III; two brothers and three sisters.
She is survived by daughters, Billie (Cal) Lundquist, Rita Gjonnes; grandchildren, Donoven Gilfillan, Kirsten Neeley, Britt (Rick) Gage, Greer (Todd) Lundquist, Kyle Gjonnes, and several great-grandchildren.
A celebration of her life will be held in the spring.
An online guestbook is available at www.rowefh.com or www.wicremationcenter.com . Arrangements are entrusted to Rowe Funeral Home in Frederic, 715-327-4475 and the Northwest Wisconsin Cremation Center in Milltown, 715-825-5550.
To plant a tree in memory of Helen Gilfillan, visit the
Tribute Store.
