Helen Fox

Helen Sigafus Fox, 87, died peacefully in her sleep on March 12, 2015 in her home in Freeport, IL. Born April 26, 1927, she is predeceased by her parents, Harry Clarence and Mary Belle (Metcalf) Sigafus, her husband of 51 years Gerald D. Fox, and her son Gregory Lee Fox. Helen and Gerald were married July 12, 1946 in Rockford, IL. Helen was a meticulous homemaker, with an ever watchful eye over her family. She was a Girl Scout leader, Cub Scout leader, hospital volunteer, member of the American Legion Ladies Auxiliary, Eagles Ladies Auxiliary, room mother, all the activities a busy mom would participate in for her husband and children. No one was a stranger to Helen, with her winning smile she made friends where ever she went. After their retirement, she and Jerry escaped the cold of Illinois, spending every winter in their home in Port Charlotte, Florida fishing, playing cards, and visiting old friends. Survivors include her daughter, Rita (Dennis) Marsh of Peoria, Illinois, two loving granddaughters Kathleen (Duane) Koker-Koch, of Eureka, IL; and Laura (Michael) Tollefsrud of Waconia, MN; as well as her pride-and-joy great-grandchildren Noah Koker and Hannah and Ella Tollefsrud. Helen, born and raised on a farm in Apple River, Illinois, was from a very large family, the sixth of thirteen children. She leaves her brother John Frederick (Rita) Sigafus of Browntown, WI; and one sister Veva Larita (Bob) Manthei of Forreston, IL; sisters-in-law Norma Sigafus of Apple River, IL; Charlene Sigafus of Valley Mills, TX and Paula Sigafus of Couch, MO; and brother-in-law Charles Sigafus of Apple River, IL; as well as many beloved nieces and nephews. She has now joined her deceased brothers and sisters: Milo Stanley (Genevieve) Sigafus; Violet Leona (Lyle) Hammer; Harry Clarence (Charlene) Sigafus,Jr.; Elinor May (Charles) Williams; Dolly (Paul) Siemens; Richard R. (Carol) Sigafus; Harriet Arvila (Ralph) Fryer; Gordon Merrill (Norma) Sigafus; Earl (Paula) Sigafus; and Carol Elizabeth (Gary) Meier. She was forever thankful for the good health of her granddaughters and great-grandchildren, so in lieu of flowers a memorial fund has been established in Helen's name for St. Jude Midwest Affiliate, 4722 N. Sheridan Road, Peoria, IL 61614. Visitation will be on Sunday, March 15 from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm at Burke-Tubbs Funeral Home, 504 N. Walnut Ave., Freeport, IL. Funeral services will be held on Monday, March 16 at 11:00 am at Burke-Tubbs. Pastor Keith Johnson, First Lutheran Church will officiate. Burial will follow at Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens Cemetery in Freeport. Please sign Helen's guestbook and share a memory at www.burketubbs.com.