Helen L. Furto

Helen L. (nee Hartung) Furto

Helen was born on March 21, 1928, and departed this life on February 5, 2026.

Helen is survived by her children; James (Peg), Louise, Ron, Diane and Dennis Furto.

Grandmother of Marcia Davidson, Kathleen (Brian) Kaplan, Andrea (Robert) McBroom, Kristine (Steve) Carlson, Shondra (Taylor) Cook; eleven great-grandchildren; sister-in-law, Margaret Prombo; and aunt of numerous nieces and nephews.

Helen was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 70 years, Thomas Furto (2018); daughter, Lorraine (Gerald) Davidson; son, Albert Furto; her parents, John Albert and Frances (nee Kretz) Hartung; sister, Eileen (Joseph) Testin; sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law, Marie (in infancy), Agnes (George) Beno, Mary (John) Ferak, Joseph (Fran), Theresa, Frank (Ann), Ben (Bernice), Anthony (Peggy) Mican, Bill Delrose and Tony Prombo.

Helen’s father died when she was 2 years of age. She was raised by her great aunts, Gen Kenorzer and Tess Fuhrmann. She always spoke fondly of them.

Helen was a third order Franciscan who loved her Catholic faith. She prayed the rosary and Divine Mercy Chaplet daily and enjoyed watching EWTN programs.

In lieu of flowers, masses in Helen’s name, donations to EWTN, or Lightways Hospice would be appreciated.

A visitation will be held on Wednesday, February 11, 2026, from 9:30 a.m. until 10:30 a.m. at Blackburn Giegerich Sonntag, 1500 Black Road, Joliet, IL 60435. A procession will follow to St. Carlo Acutis Parish (St. Ambrose Church) 1705 Burry Circle Drive, Crest Hill, IL for a Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 a.m., Rev Anthony Nyamai, officiating. Helen will be laid to rest beside her husband in Saints Cyril & Methodius Cemetery, Joliet.

Relatives and friends are encouraged to sign the online guest book by logging onto: www.PleseFuneralservices.com.

Funeral services and arrangements have been made under the genuine care and direction of Kenneth A. Plese, in Joliet, IL 815-735-2125.