Helen L. Hill

Helen L. Hill, 87, of Viroqua, died Friday, November 22, 2013. Helen L. Hill was born October 3, 1926 to Laura Ethel (Heasty) and Walter Frank McClurg at their farm home on Pleasant Ridge, rural Viroqua. She passed away Friday, November 22nd, 2013. Helen attended Cook country school through eighth grade and graduated from Viroqua High School in 1944. After graduation she worked as a welder at the Kaiser Shipyards in Vancouver Washington. She was always very proud of her civilian role welding Victory ships during World War II. She was honored by recognition with a certificate for her contribution to the war effort as a "Wendy the Welder." Following the war she worked in Chicago, then returned to Viroqua to work for five years for Dr. A.E. Kuehn. She was later employed for 35 years by the Vernon County Land Conservation Department, retiring in 1996. On February 23, 1951 she married Fred Hill of Soldiers Grove. They lived in Reedsburg until 1956 when they returned to Viroqua to stay. Her loving husband, Fred, preceded her in death on September 28, 1983. Their two daughters are Laura (Michael) DeMoss and Kathryn (Daniel) Goettl. Helens grandchildren are Jenessa DeMoss (fianc Christopher Nawrocki), Mark DeMoss, David DeMoss, John Goettl and Libby Goettl. She was a lifelong member of the Viroqua Church of Christ and her faith in the Lord brought her much comfort and strength throughout her lifetime. In her earlier years she was a Girl Scout leader and member of the Business & Professional Womens organization. She enjoyed volunteering for the RSVP program and as a Bethel volunteer for many years. She was very active in both the Viroqua VFW auxiliary and also the Eagles auxiliary. She was honored to have received the "Mrs. Eagle" award and also the Mother and Grandmother of the year awards. She also enjoyed baking and volunteering at the Church of Christ whenever asked. She was known for her cookies and homemade chicken & noodles. She lived for many years in the Bethel Birchwood neighborhood and treasured her friendships with all of her wonderful neighbors there. She is survived by her immediate family, along with her brothers Blair, Robert (Ruth E.) and Donald McClurg, her sisters-in-law Ruth J. (the late Clinton) McClurg, Mayonne (the late Eldon) McClurg and Faye McClurg. She is also survived by many nieces, nephews and special friends. She was preceded in death by her husband Fred; her parents, her brother Roland & his wife Audrey McClurg, her brothers Clinton, Eldon, her sister Lois & husband Fred McDowell, her sister-in-law Eunice McClurg along with Freds sister Roena & husband Raymond Wagner and Freds brother Grant Hill Jr. & wife Jewell. Helen loved her family. She will forever be loved and cherished by her grandchildren as the "Cookie" Grandma. Mom and Grandma, we love you and will always miss you. The family would like to extend a warm Thank You to Dr. Jon Radcliffe and the Bland Bekkedal Center for Hospice for the care Helen received. Services will be held at 2 p.m. Tuesday, November 26, 2013 at the Viroqua Church of Christ. Pastor Jeff Coon will officiate with burial to follow in the Viroqua Cemetery. Friends may call at the church on Tuesday from 1 p.m. until the time of the service at 2. In Lieu of flowers and plants, memorial contributions may be made to the Viroqua Church of Christ. The Vosseteig-Larson Funeral Home of Viroqua is serving the family.