Obit: Jackson, Helen D. (1923 - 2008)

Contact: R. Lipprandt
Email: bob@wiclarkcountyhistory.org

Surnames: Bauman, Jackson, Mastalir, Miller, Wurthmann

----Source: The Tribune - Phonograph (Abbotsford, Clark Co., WI), Wednesday, October 22, 2008, Vol. 48, No. 43, page 22

Jackson, Helen D. (Wurthmann) (May 27, 1923 - October 13, 2008)

Helen D. Jackson, 85, Baraboo, died Monday, October 13, 2008, at St. Claire Hospice House in Baraboo after suffering from Lou Gherig’s disease.

She was born May 27, 1923, to Walter and Edith Wurthmann at Colby, and spent her childhood working on the farm, playing sports and being actively involved in 4-H work.

After receiving her B.S. Degree from the University of Wisconsin, she taught high school in Blue River. After that she taught in Westboro and Gilman High School’s for nine years while living in Medford, where her children were born.

Her husband John R. Jackson started the U.S. Soil Conservation Service in Taylor County.

They then moved to Sauk County in 1962 where Helen was employed as the U.W. Extension Home Economist. After receiving her M.S. Degree from the University of Wisconsin she was hired as a District Program Leader with the University of Wisconsin Extension Family Living Program serving thirteen counties in the Central District of Wisconsin. Later she also served as State Advisor to the Wisconsin Extension Homemaker State Council (Now known as Home and Community Education).

She had many fond memories from her 33 years as an Educator and the accomplishments of the people she worked with.

Helen retired in 1985 as Professor Emeritus to winter in Surprise, Arizona.

Her summers were spent in Baraboo. Her family was all important to her and she included her grandchildren her trips when they were young as they could learn about other parts of the U.S. which was one of her many interests.

Helen enjoyed continuing education experiences, traveling form coast to coast to attend 40 different area elder hostel programs. She also did considerable worldwide travel and was disappointed hen her health prevented her form doing more traveling in her 80’s. Her other interests included reading, writing, gold, bridge, concerts, plays and research. She was never bored with life, always, finding something new to learn.

She is survived by her son, John Jackson of Glendale, AZ; her daughter, Kay (David) Miller of Baraboo; two grandchildren, Kristen (Adam) Mastalir of Madison and Jeff Miller of Madison; a sister, Lillian Bauman of Fenwood; and three nephews; and one niece.

Helen was preceded in death by her parents; and her brother, Ervin Wurthmann of Florida.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, October 25, at 11 a.m. at First United Methodist Churchin Barbaoo with Pastor Donna Miller officiating.

Friends may call from 10 a.m. until the time of services at the church.

Memorials may be made to Sauk County 4-H Senior Leaders Associatin or St. Clare Hospice House.

The Redlin Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

Paid Obituary 43-88265

[2data/footer_gif.html]