PHYLLIS HELGREN

Phyllis Mae (Abraham) Helgren, age 85, passed away suddenly after a stroke on Monday, April 23, 2018.  She was born in Oshkosh on September 13, 1932 to the late John and Mary Alice Abraham.  Phyllis graduated from high school in 1950 and went on to nursing school in Milwaukee to become a registered nurse.  She later received her bachelor's degree in nursing.  Phyllis began her nursing career in Crystal Falls, MI at the Community Hospital and worked there for 16 years.  She later became the Director of Nursing at Iron County Medical Care Facility.  Phyllis returned to Oshkosh in 1979 and worked at Theda Clark Regional Medical Center until her retirement.  

Phyllis enjoyed spending time with her family and friends, especially during Christmas.  It was her favorite holiday, and she loved to decorate as well as entertain.  She loved to sew, read, and go out to dinner with friends and family.  Phyllis especially enjoyed going to antique shops, thrift stores and flea markets, trips to the casino, and spending time in her flower gardens. 

She is survived by her daughters Mary Francis and Ellie (Stosh) Skibo; grandchildren: Adam (Aya) Francis, Marla Francis, Pete Francis, Marnie (Sterling Phaklides) Skibo, Grayne (Eydy Martinez) Skibo; great-grandchildren: Komachi Francis, Vera and Vince Skibo, and Maysen Phaklides; as well as her siblings: John (Nancy) Abraham and Susan Blaha; longtime companion Art Bender; her dog Lacey, and many nieces and nephews.  Phyllis was preceded in death by her siblings Betty Jansen, Sally Resop, and William Abraham.

The Funeral Service for Phyllis will be held at 5:00 p.m. on Friday, April 27, 2018 at Neenah's Westgor Funeral Home, 205 W. Doty Avenue, Neenah.  Visitation will be held at the funeral home from 3:00 p.m. until the hour of the service.  In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund will be established.