Helen M. McClaine, age 95, of Winter, WI, died Saturday, December 4, 2021 at Ladysmith Living Center.

Helen Louise Wiley was born July 25, 1926 in Winter, WI, the daughter of Montgomery and Louise (Wold) Wiley.

She graduated from Winter High School in 1944. Helen attended the University of Wisconsin at Eau Claire and Superior where she graduated in 1959 with a B.S. Degree in Elementary Education. She taught at Barron, Draper and Winter, WI for a total of 33 years.

In 1951 she was married to Thaddeus “Ted” Ronkowski. They had one daughter Anna Louise.

In 1982 Helen was married to G.D. “Joe” McClaine. At this time, she retired from her teaching career. They enjoyed traveling and spending the winters in warmer climates.

Helen was a member of Zion Lutheran Church, American Legion Auxiliary, Am. Vets. Auxiliary and Retired Teachers. She was an avid reader, enjoyed her gardens and the beauty of nature. Helen’s church meant a lot to her, and she loved being with her family, especially being part of her great grandson’s lives. She considered this a bonus in her life.

She is survived by her daughter Anna Suzan; grandson Jesse Suzan; great grandsons Ross and Trevor Suzan; sister Martha Walters; sisters-in-law Norma Wiley and Fay Pettit; many nieces and nephews; and her friend since 1st grade, Victoria Johnson.

Helen was preceded in death by parents Mont & Louise; first husband Ted Ronkowski; second husband Joe McClaine; brothers Robert “Bud”, Benjamin, Michael, Walter, Elmer “Sam” and Arthur; sisters Thelma Arnold and Grace Elizabeth Meyer; brothers-in-law Fred Arnold, Dean Meyer, Clinton Walters and Bud McClaine; and sisters-in-law Isla Wiley and Virginia Enhelder.

The Funeral Service will be held at 12:00 noon, Saturday, December 11, 2021 at Zion Lutheran Church in Winter. Pastor Terri Blomberg will officiate with music provided by Rebecca Iverson and Cathleen Hepburn. Visitation will be held from 11:00 a.m. until the time of service at the church. Burial will be in Winter Cemetery in the spring.

Last Update: Dec 06, 2021 3:41 pm CST