Helen L. Blixt, 95, of Washington, Illinois, formerly of Galesburg, Illinois, died at 1:10 a.m. Wednesday, June 16, 2021, in Snyder Village Health Center in Metamora, Illinois.
She was born June 2, 1926, in Galesburg, the daughter of Delmar and Edna (Peterson) Suydam. She married Frederick R. Blixt on April 1, 1945, in Galesburg. He preceded her in death April 17, 1998.
She is survived by two daughters, Marlene (Dennis) Rash of Lee’s Summit, Missouri and Joan (Mike) Prina of Washington; five grandchildren, David Kuipers, Lesa Christianson, Marsha Kuipers, Brian Prina, and Kevin Prina; seven great grandchildren; one sister, Evelyn Stotts of Galesburg; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by her parents; a brother, Delmar Suydam; and a sister, Dorothy Chester.
Helen was raised and educated in Galesburg, graduating from Galesburg High School in 1944. She worked at the former First National Bank and then later was the head bookkeeper for Nyman Jeweler’s for many years before retiring. She was a member of First Lutheran Church in Galesburg. Helen enjoyed playing Bingo, traveling, crocheting, and she was an avid reader. She lived all of her life in Galesburg until moving to Washington in 2011 to be closer to her family.
Private family graveside service will be Wednesday, June 23, 2021, in East Linwood Cemetery in Galesburg. Rev. Dr. Pamela Marolla will officiate. There will be no visitation. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Heart Association or St. Jude Children’s Hospital. Hinchliff-Pearson-West Funeral Directors and Cremation Services Galesburg Chapel is honored to serve the family. Online condolences may be made at www.h-p-w.com.
