Terry Don Helle

Terry Don Helle, 78 of Tiskilwa, passed away on Wednesday, June 4, 2024 at Henry Rehab and Nursing in Henry, IL.

Terry was born on July 20, 1945 the son of Donald Lee and Hallie Jean (Underwood) Helle. He was a graduate of Tiskilwa High School.

Terry began cutting timber while still a teen with his father. He continued that career as a timberman throughout his adulthood. Terry was a devoted family man who enjoyed hunting, fishing and spending time with his family.

Terry married Karen Harrod, of Princeton, on October 14, 1964 in Tiskilwa. They were the parents of six children, Sherri Whitmer of Sycamore, Juile (Mark) Swanson of Princeton, Jodie (Scott) Helle Corwin of Clearwater, FL, Corey (Kim) Helle of Pauline, SC, Laurie (Tim) Read of Henry and Shane Helle of Peoria.

Terry is survived by his children as well as 13 grandchildren, Amanda Abell, Chelsea Abell, Aspyn Helle-Smith, Raymond Gaskill, Justin Gaskill, Jonathan Gaskill, Nathan Helle, Jordyn Read, Alisyn Read, Maggie Helle, Lucas Helle, Abbey Helle and Abram Helle; 16 great-grandchildren, Shayla Abell, Lily Miller, Lyric Miller, Leah Miller, Jeremy Chamberlain, Sage Davis, Leighton Davis, Liam Davis, William Davis, Alivia Davis, Victor Puentes, Jayce Gaskill, Gavin Gaskill, Zoey Gaskill, Gabriel Gaskill and Ronin Gaskill. He is also survived by one sister, Donna Barker of Wyanet; two brothers, James Helle of Chicago and Charles “Lee” Helle of West Port, WA; along with many nieces and nephews.

Terry was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Karen on December 11, 2001; one brother, Kenneth; two sisters, Beverly Sue and Marilyn.

Private Funeral Services will be held at 10:00am on Monday, June 10, 2024 at Grant-Johnson Funeral Home in Princeton with Pastor Laura Root-Tanner, officiating. Interment will be in Mt. Bloom Cemetery in Tiskilwa next to his wife. 

Memorials may be directed to Tiskilwa Library in Tiskilwa, IL.

Online condolences may be directed to www.grant-johnsonfh.com