Helen R. McKinnell
January 31, 1938 ~ November 3, 2021
Helen R. McKinnell, 83, of Princeton, Illinois passed away Wednesday, November 3, 2021 at Liberty Village in Princeton.
She was born January 31, 1938 in Hermansville, Michigan the daughter of John and Ann (Furlich) Minerick.
Helen married Robert E. McKinnell on October 13, 1956 in Fontana, Wisconsin at St. Benedict's Catholic Church. They shared 65 years together. Robert survives in Princeton.
She is also survived by four children: Mary Ann (Ray) Testa of Round Lake Beach, Illinois, Kathleen (Patrick) Cooper of Princeton, Robert D. (Launa) McKinnell of Elkhorn, Wisconisn, and Brian McKinnell of Linn Township, Wisconsin; 5 grandchildren: Shannon Cooper, Kyle Cooper, Brandon McKinnell, Kelsey Berres, and Brittney Steilkie; 6 great-grandchildren: Aiden, Rori Shay, Zoey, Kylee, Cadence, and Paige; two sisters: Marge Leathem and Shirley Schriener and numerous nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents, four siblings: John Minerick, Phil Minerick, Geraldine Knutson, and Audrey "Lauri" Mitchell.
Helen was very involved with her church, including the Bazaars and teaching CCD. She was active in her children's lives growing up and was a part of the PTA. She helped implement the Picture Lady Program in Wisconsin and it later became a national program that visited local schools to teach children the Arts. Helen loved being in the Bunco Club with her friends. She was a true homemaker, living for her children, grandchildren, family and friends. She practiced what she preached, and always acted in kindness and love.
Cremation rites will be accorded and a memorial visitation will be held from 10:00 - 11:00 a.m. Saturday, December 4, 2021 at St. Benedict's Catholic Church in Fontana, Wisconsin with a service to follow at 11:00 a.m. at the Church. In lieu of flowers memorials may be directed to the Alzheimer's Foundation in Helen's Memory. Online condolences may be sent to www.grant-johnsonfh.com.
Mema, I don’t even know where to start. Your grandkids have so many memories from all our trip to West Field. Your cooking, taking my brother, sister and I to the Mall and even though I hurt my ankle I wasn’t going to miss out on time with you and Papa, your chex mix, your fudge, all the sleep overs, all the trips to my parents house when we were kids, how you always carried your phone in a zip lock bag in your purse… I could go on and on. I can still hear the creak of the back door at the cabin in West Field. It won’t be the same without you. I know you will live on in our hearts. I love you and miss you ….
Till I see you again
Dear McKinnell Family, especially Brian, we are so sorry for the loss of your mother. We read her obituary and could tell she must have been a wonderful woman, wife and mom! Sending love and prayers to you all!