Helen Elaine Berklan OBITUARY

Helen Elaine Berklan OBITUARY

Helen E. Berklan (nee Froelich)

age 91, of Vernon Hills, formerly of Waukegan, IL, passed away on Thursday, April 16, 2026. She is survived by her devoted children, Lynn (David) Surico and Jim (Sandy) Berklan; her precious grandchildren, Nikki (Drew) Wilkerson, Matt (Katie) Berklan, Zack Surico, and Nick (Amy) Berklan; and great-grandchildren Violet and Grant Wilkerson; along with many cherished nieces, nephews and cousins. Helen was preceded by her beloved husband of 44 years, Martin Berklan; her parents John and Lillian Froelich; and her loving sister, Lois Baker.

Helen was a proud graduate of Waukegan Township High School, Illinois State University and National Louis University. She taught kindergarten at a handful of Waukegan grade schools during five decades, ultimately retiring from Glenwood School. She was a long-time member of St. John’s United Church of Christ and volunteered there, as well as at a variety of community, social and fraternal groups, including the American-Croatian Waukegan Tamburitzans organization.

A Visitation will be held on Friday, April 24, 2026, from 5-8 PM Marsh Funeral Home, 305 N Cemetery Rd, Gurnee, IL. Visitation will continue at 9 AM Saturday, April 25, and be followed immediately at 10 AM by a funeral service there, and then interment at North Shore Garden of Memories in North Chicago. For more details and an extended obituary notice visit Marsh Funeral Home online.