Helga Male

Helga Marie Male

Age 97 and a lifelong resident of Gardner, passed away Wednesday December 17, 2014 at Presence Saint Joseph Medical Center in Joliet.

Born May 22, 1917 on a farm in rural Gardner, Helga was a daughter of the late Mads and Maryanne Kristine (Eglund) Lund. She was raised in a rural school outside of Gardner and on October 1, 1938, Helga married Elmer J. Male in Chicago. Over the years, Helga worked at the baby clothing factory in Gardner, sold Tupperware, and was a representative for Beauty Counselor. She also held employment at Indicator Light in Gardner and in years past, was a correspondent journalist for the Kankakee Daily Journal, who covered local Gardner news and topics. Helga was the oldest member of the Church of Hope in Gardner, and belonged to the Gardner American Legion Auxiliary and Gardner Senior Citizens. She was also a former member of the Eastern Star. In her free time, Helga enjoyed to crochet and read. She was a collector of butterflies, truly loved talking on the phone and in recent years became a NASCAR fan. Helga always remained positive and carried a deep faith throughout her life. She will forever be remembered for her love of family and friends.

Survivors include three daughters: Shirley (Randall) Clapp of Coal City, Janet (John) Taylor of Elizabeth, Colorado and Diane (Gary) Layton of Piedmont, Oklahoma; seven grandchildren: Marshall Clapp, Marcala Watson, Dr. Heather J. Male-Hoffman (Justin), Jon Taylor (Claudia), Jennifer Strid (Matthew), Mark Layton (Samantha) and Kristine Layton; nine great grandchildren: Sara Watson, Melissa Watson, Logan Strid, Shiloh Strid, Autumn Strid, Lincoln Strid, Adriana Layton, Mark Layton and Kaylyn Layton; one sister-in-law Janice Lund of Florida; her Goddaughter Lois (Barney) Vigna of Gardner; four special cousins: Francis Lund, Henry Lund, Paul James Lund and Harold Lund, and numerous nieces and nephews, as well as several dear friends.

Helga was preceded in death by her parents; husband Elmer on October 8, 1972, son George Male on May 29, 2000 and brothers and sisters: Francis Lund, Harry Lund, Dagny Patterson and Marie Sargeant.

Visitation and video tribute will be held at the Church of Hope, 202 North Monroe Street in Gardner on Sunday December 21, 2014 from 1:00 p.m. until time of funeral service 2:00 p.m. Reverend Janet M. Chandler will officiate and burial will follow in Oak Lawn Cemetery in Dwight, where Helga will be laid to rest with her late husband Elmer.

Pallbearers and honorary pallbearers will be: Marshall Clapp, Mark Layton, Jon Taylor, Gerald Lund, Roger Patterson, Craig Male, David Sargeant, Dennis Sargeant and Bret Male.

Preferred memorials may be made as gifts in Helga's memory to the Church of Hope, 202 N. Monroe St. PO Box 248, Gardner, Illinois 60424

Friends may sign the online guest book or send private condolences to the family by logging onto: www.ReevesFuneral.com

Funeral services and arrangements have been made under the direction and care of Reeves Funeral Homes, Ltd. in Gardner. (815-237-2526)