Helen Gilbert

Orfordville-Helen Shank Knudson Gilbert, age 74 passed away after a courageous battle with cancer at home on December 2nd. Helen was born on May 3rd, 1934 in Stone Creek Ohio, to Paul and Dorothy Ryan Shank. Helen graduated from Elk Rapids High School, Elk Rapids Michigan in 1952 and went on to proudly serve in the United States Navy from 1952 through 1955. She then became an executive secretary in Chicago until her marriage to Keith Knudson on August 15, 1961. Helen and Keith raised 4 children and from 1970 until 1983 owned and operated the Edgerton Pottery/Editions in Porcelain in Edgerton, Wisconsin. After that Helen worked for the State of Wisconsin and was active in the Republican party of Wisconsin until retiring to Florida. In 1998 she missed her children and abandoned the warmth to move back to Wisconsin, residing in Brodhead with her daughter Kristin’s family until her death. Helen had a zest for life, loved to travel and was always at peace in her gardens and watching the birds in her many feeders. She will be missed. She is survived by her children Lynda (Mark) Ketelboeter of Mazomanie, Riley (Nettie) Knudson of Tomahawk, Keith Eric Knudson of Appleton and Kristin (Tommy) Mitchell of Brodhead, 5 grandchildren Alex Bruni, Seth and Hayley Knudson, Maddie and Nick Mitchell, 1 great grand child Boden Brodeur Bruni and her ex-husband Keith Knudson. In addition Helen had 7 surviving brothers and sisters Jerry, Georgianna, Mike, Dale, David, Sally and Danny and many nieces and nephews. Helen was preceded in death by her parents and brothers Raymond and Stanley. At her request, no services will be held. Helen was a proud lifetime member of the VFW and memorials could be made in her name to your local VFW chapter. Her family would like to thank her Hospice Care team for the comfort they provided her and her family. All Faiths Funeral Home of Janesville is assisting the family. www.866allfaiths.com