Helen (nee Gilomen) Wiehardt, age 95, formerly of Collinsville, IL, born November 11, 1925 in St. Jacob, IL, passed away peacefully at 8:43 a.m. on Tuesday, March 16, 2021 at Meridian Village Care Center in Glen Carbon, IL with family by her side.

Helen was a 1944 graduate of Granite City High School.  She attended St. Mary's Catholic Church in Edwardsville and was a former member of Mother of Perpetual Help Catholic Church in Maryville, a steadfast advocate of St. Jude Children's Hospital, and ardent supporter of her grandchildren's sports teams.

She was a model wife, mother, grandmother, and great grandmother who worked full-time at each of those roles.  She was often seen in gymnasiums, at baseball fields, and in church pews – wherever her grandsons and great-grandchildren were participating.  Helen and Ray enjoyed over 66 years of blissful marriage; the only disfavor ever experienced – albeit temporary – stemmed from her penchant to draw to an inside straight at video poker.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Raymond Wiehardt, whom she married May 25, 1946; an infant daughter; her mother and stepfather, Gladys (nee Mueller) and Louis Kunz; mother and father-in-law, George and Mary Wiehardt; a brother, William Gilomen, Sr.; nephew, William Gilomen, Jr.; and several brothers and sisters-in-law.

She is survived by a daughter, Pamela (Carl) Collignon of Glen Carbon, IL; grandchildren:  Michael (Michelle) Collignon of Glen Carbon, IL, and Bradley (Katie) Collignon of Michigan City, IN; great-grandchildren:  Madilyn and Matthew of Glen Carbon, IL.

Upon her request, Helen's body was donated to Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis MO.

The family would like to thank the staff on Maple Lane, especially Jeanne and Courtney as well as Jennifer with Vitas Hospice for their exceptional care and compassion.

Memorials may be made in Helen's honor to Vitas Hospice and St. Jude Children's Hospital.  Please forward memorials to Barry Wilson Funeral Home, 2800 N. Center Street, Maryville, IL 62062.

Condolences may be expressed to the family at barrywilsonfuneralhome.com