Helen J. Pelnar

On Sunday, April 12, 2026, Helen J. Pelnar, a loving wife, devoted mother of two, and proud grandmother of five, passed away at the age of 73. Helen was born on November 7, 1952, in Richland Center, Wisconsin, to Jane and James Hestetune.

Helen leaves behind a legacy of warmth, strength, and humor that will be cherished by all who knew her. In her early years, she worked as a medical technologist, dedicating herself to helping others with care and compassion. While her professional life was meaningful, her greatest pride and joy came from her family. She was an incredible mother to her two sons, Michael and Jesse, guiding them with wisdom, unwavering love, and a lasting appreciation for humor in everyday life.

Helen shared a lifelong partnership with her beloved husband, Paul, whom she married in April 1979. Their marriage was a testament to enduring love, filled with shared memories, laughter, and steadfast support through the years.

She had a wonderful sense of humor that could brighten any room, and she carried that lightness with her throughout her life. Helen also had a passion for travel. She had many friends across the country who she would visit frequently. She also had a fondness for road trips she shared with Paul. Together, they explored countless parts of the country—often inspired by their enjoyment of the musical Rock of Ages, which they saw across numerous states.

In her later years, Helen found immense joy in being a grandmother to her five grandchildren. She treasured every moment spent with them, offering love, guidance, and plenty of laughter. Her family was her heart, and she embraced every moment with them fully.

Helen was preceded in death by her parents, Jane and James Hestetune; her in-laws, Marcella and Adolph Pelnar; her sister Jackie Loasching; and her beloved husband, Paul. She is survived by her sons, Michael (Rhonda) and Jesse; her five grandchildren, Riley, Emma, Lilia, Gracelyn, and Elaina; her brother Jimmy (Barb) Hestetune; and many extended family members and friends. She will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her. Her kindness, humor, and love will live on in the lives she touched.

A memorial service for Helen will be held on Saturday, May 16, at 11:00am at Dunlap Memorial Home, 604 S. Main St., Fort Atkinson, WI. Visitation will begin at 10:00am. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made in Helen’s memory to the Jefferson County Cancer Coalition.

www.DunlapMemorialHome.com

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