Helen R. Pedretti

Helen Rae Pedretti, age 83, of Westby passed away peacefully at her home on Tuesday, January 21st. She was born on April 10th, 1941, to Lawrence and Mary (Desmond) Flock in La Crosse. She was a 1959 graduate of Aquinas High School where she met her husband Edward Pedretti, and they were married on Oct. 1st, 1960.

Helen and her husband moved to Westby in 1967, and she supported her husband in his Real Estate business which was located in their home on Main Street in Westby. She not only raised her five children, but also opened up her home for childcare to several local families and she loved them all as if they were her own. Her home was often a stop for many of her children’s friends as they walked home from school. Most days that would include enjoying a delicious treat she had baked that afternoon.

After her husband’s passing at age 41, she began her work career outside the home at Eklov Quik Stop, then Hansen’s IGA and finally she went to work at Stockmen’s, our families Supper Club, in Coon Valley. She also cashiered auctions with Gary Olerud for many years which included work at the Sales Barn in Coon Valley where she formed a special friendship with many of her co-workers.

Helen was involved in the Westby Booster Club for several years. She also enjoyed traveling later in life especially her trip to Hawaii which was on her and her late husband’s bucket list. Once Helen was diagnosed with dementia, she traveled less but still went on several weekend excursions. Even though her mind and body were failing her, she never wanted to disappoint, she was always up for anything. Her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren will carry on her legacy of love of family, value of hard work, joy of travel, and her selflessness and compassion towards others.

She is survived by her five children, Julie Pedretti of Westby, Dale (Donna) Pedretti of Westby, Edward Jr. (Jana) Pedretti of Westby, Corinne Pedretti of Westby, Dawn (Peter) Hilden of Cashton, bonus daughter Angie Arneson; seven grandchildren Derek, Vincent (Tanya), Christian, Cody (Lindsey), Kristt, Jackson and Hannah; three great-grandchildren Lillian, Miles, Elsie and one due in April. She is also survived by her brothers and sisters, Louise (Larry) Kelsey, Edward (Barbara) Flock, Thomas (Pam) Flock, Theresa (Robert) Walchak, sisters-in-laws, Alice Flock, Mary (Jim) Klum, and brother-in laws, Chuck (Carol) Pedretti, Paul (Sandy) Pedretti along with many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband Edward on March 12, 1981, parents, infant son Todd, a special friend Wayne Hanson, sisters Mary Alice Dobbs and Marion Hill, brothers Peter and David Flock; brothers-in-law, Ray Dobbs, Ralph, Ron & Gerald “Jer” Pedretti and sister-in-law Carolyn Flock.

Helen’s family would like to thank all of the staff at the Bland Medical Clinic in Westby who cared for Mom over the last several years. We would also like to thank St. Croix Hospice staff for their comforting care these last few months, especially Lisa her primary nurse and Brenna for her wonderful massages.

Memorials may be given to the Westby Booster Club, St. Mary’s Catholic Church or St. Croix Hospice.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00am on Saturday, March 29th, 2025 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, 400 Congress Avenue, Viroqua, WI. Family and friends are invited for visitation on Saturday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service at the Church. Burial will follow in the Viroqua Cemetery.

The Torkelson Funeral Home in Cashton is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be offered at www.torkelsonfuneralhome.com.