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Helen E. Wankel
Ashland, Illinois
August 4, 1933 - March 20, 2025
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Helen E. Wankel Obituary
Helen E. Abbott Lahey Wankel, 91, of Washington, IL, and formerly of Ashland and Jacksonville, died Thursday, March 20, 2025, at Washington Senior Living.
She was born August 4, 1933, in Kane, the daughter of Lawrence and Nina (Fee) Abbott. Helen first married Daniel F. Lahey, and they later divorced. She then married Jack W. Wankel on October 19, 1973, in Ashland, and he preceded her in death.
Helen is survived by her three sons, Terrance (Eileen) Lahey of St. Charles, MO, Lawrence Lahey of Portland, OR, and Carey Phillip (Nikki) Lahey of Springfield; three daughters, Sheryl Lahey (Bob Elliott) of Portland, OR, Gerry Lahey of Springfield, and Jackelyn (Steven) Harper of Roanoke, IL; three stepchildren, Gerald (Denise) Wankel of Chandlerville, Virginia Kay DeGroot of Ashland (deceased husband Dennis), and Trish Hannel (Joe Lowder) of Springfield; numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren of her own and through marriage. Also surviving are dear friends of hers that lived near her apartment complex in Jacksonville. They were a wonderful support system in her last couple of years.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Jack; one son, Gary D. Lahey; one brother, Paul Abbott; and four sisters, Ruth Miley, Kathryn Winchester, Olive Garmon, and Doris Mae Abbott (in infancy).
Helen graduated from Jacksonville High School in 1951. She worked as a teacher’s aid substitute for the Jacksonville School District #117. Helen had also worked at John Deere Insurance and had served on the school board for Balyki School District. She attended Church of Our Saviour in Jacksonville for many years. And while she was married to Daniel, Helen was the First Lady of Jacksonville. She enjoyed quilting, sewing, and many other hobby crafts.
A graveside service will be held 10AM Wednesday, April 9, 2025, at Yatesville Cemetery near Ashland. The family will be meeting friends from 12:30 – 3:00 PM at The Transfer Company Event Space, 611 E State St in Jacksonville. The Buchanan & Cody Funeral Home in Jacksonville is in charge of the arrangements. Condolences may be left online at buchanancody.com.
To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of Helen, please visit our Tree Store.
Helen E. Abbott Lahey Wankel, 91, of Washington, IL, and formerly of Ashland and Jacksonville, died Thursday, March 20, 2025, at Washington Senior Living.
She was born August 4, 1933, in Kane, the daughter of Lawrence and Nina (Fee) Abbott. Helen first married Daniel F. Lahey, and they later divorced. She then married Jack W. Wankel on October 19, 1973, in Ashland, and he preceded her in death.
Helen is survived by her three sons, Terrance (Eileen) Lahey of St. Charles, MO, Lawrence Lahey of Portland, OR, and Carey Phillip (Nikki) Lahey of Springfield; three daughters, Sheryl Lahey (Bob Elliott) of Portland, OR, Gerry Lahey of Springfield, and Jackelyn (Steven) Harper of Roanoke, IL; three stepchildren, Gerald (Denise) Wankel of Chandlerville, Virginia Kay DeGroot of Ashland (deceased husband Dennis), and Trish Hannel (Joe Lowder) of Springfield; numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren of her own and through marriage. Also surviving are dear friends of hers that lived near her apartment complex in Jacksonville. They were a wonderful support system in her last couple of years.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Jack; one son, Gary D. Lahey; one brother, Paul Abbott; and four sisters, Ruth Miley, Kathryn Winchester, Olive Garmon, and Doris Mae Abbott (in infancy).
Helen graduated from Jacksonville High School in 1951. She worked as a teacher’s aid substitute for the Jacksonville School District #117. Helen had also worked at John Deere Insurance and had served on the school board for Balyki School District. She attended Church of Our Saviour in Jacksonville for many years. And while she was married to Daniel, Helen was the First Lady of Jacksonville. She enjoyed quilting, sewing, and many other hobby crafts.
A graveside service will be held 10AM Wednesday, April 9, 2025, at Yatesville Cemetery near Ashland. The family will be meeting friends from 12:30 – 3:00 PM at The Transfer Company Event Space, 611 E State St in Jacksonville. The Buchanan & Cody Funeral Home in Jacksonville is in charge of the arrangements. Condolences may be left online at buchanancody.com.
To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of Helen, please visit our Tree Store.
Events
Graveside
Wednesday, April 9, 2025
10:00 am
Yatesville Cemetery
Final Resting Place
Yatesville Cemetery