Helen M. Elton

Helen Martha Elton, age 93 of Westby, died Thursday, April 12, 2007 at the Vernon Memorial Hospital in Viroqua. She was born on March 28, 1914 on a farm in rural Westby to Andrew and Ella (Melby) Lee. After graduation from Westby High School, she attended Viroqua Normal School where she received a two year teaching certificate. In 1934 Helen married Rudolf Elton. She taught in country schools in the Viroqua area for several years both before and after her husband died. Helen and Rudolf lived in several locales while raising their three sons. In 1945 the family moved to Creston, IA, after which Helen and Rudolf were involved in the food service business at restaurants and country clubs in various Midwestern localities. The then moved to LaCrosse, WI where Helen, at age 56, earned a Bachelors Degree in education at the University of Wisconsin-LaCrosse, graduating Magna Cum Laude. Helen and Rudolf returned to Westby and purchased a home on Melby Street, named after Helens Grandfather Melby, an early Norwegian immigrant. Helen taught in the DeSoto Area Schools for 7 years until her retirement in 1979. She received a brass school bell in recognition of her service and contribution to the DeSoto district. In the years following her retirement, Helen was active in the Sons of Norway in Westby where she served as secretary. In addition, she gave presentations and led discussions on Norwegian history and Scandinavian mythology with Sons of Norway members. As a member of Westby Coon Prairie Lutheran Church, Helen participated in preparing food and serving at confirmations, weddings and funerals in her early retirement years. Helen was a lifelong learner and enjoyed reading up to the last days of her life. Friends and relatives who came to visit were delighted with Helens home cooked meals and delicious cookies, which she usually sent home with them. She loved to travel and in later years enjoyed recounting memories of trips taken. Helen had a good sense of humor. She had a ready laugh, especially at Norwegian humor. She is survived by her three sons: Bob and his wife Dianne of Spirit Lake, IA, Gary and his wife Maryanne of Albuquerque, NM, Ron and his fiance Jane McConaghy of LaCrosse; six grandchildren: David, Cathy, Shari, Rachael, Daniel and Timothy; seven great-grandchildren: Hannah, Erik, Andrew, Sam, Joey, Brittney and J.P. Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, April 17, 2007 at 11:00 a.m. at Westby Coon Prairie Lutheran Church. Pastor Dennis Hallemeier will officiate with burial in the Coon Prairie Cemetery. A luncheon will be served in the church basement following the interment service. Friends may visit with the family at the church on Tuesday after 10:00 a.m. The Vosseteig Funeral Home of Westby is serving the family.