Helen C. Goethe

Helen Catherine Goethe, 91, passed away peacefully December 26, 2013, in Rockford, IL. Born April 30, 1922, to John and Frances (Brockman) Murphy. Raised on a farm outside Rockford, Helen was the youngest of 4 children. Self-described as "just a wisp of a girl", she was an excellent baker who loved to play cards, read mysteries, and was proud of her Irish heritage. After graduating from Muldoon High School in 1940, she worked as a secretary and later at Mays Drug. Helen married Vernon Goethe on May 15, 1944. They raised 6 children in Rockford and she was a devoted member of St. Edward's and, most recently, St. Rita's Catholic Church. Helen and Vern traveled the US after they retired, wintering in Florida for many years. She was a selfless and loving daughter, wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother and she will be greatly missed. She was predeceased in death by her parents, siblings Joe, John, Marion Hogan, and a daughter and son-in-law, Barbara and Donn Woodworth. Helen is survived by her husband, Vern, of Rockford; children, Mary Lou (Eric) Nordstrom, Dolores (Jim) Hollingsed, Paul (Cathy) Goethe, Ron Goethe, and Jerry (Robin) Goethe; grandchildren, Tracy (Matt) Thumm, Katie Goethe (Rick), Beth (Steve) Tymonko, Beth's stepmother Karla Woodworth, Jenni Nordstrom, Sara Goethe (Nick), Dan (Kelly) Hollingsed, Lisa (Dan) Bauman, Cara Hollingsed (Chris Oehmen), Michael Hollingsed, Jordan Goethe, and Rylie Goethe; great-grandchildren, Ryan, Lorelei, Colleen, Martin, Andrew, Rose, Sebastian, and Jack; many nieces and nephews.
Memorial service will be at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, December 28, 2013 at St. Rita Catholic Church, 6254 Valley Knoll Drive. Fitzgerald Funeral Home & Crematory, Mulford Chapel, assisted the family.