Obituaries

Helen Jean (nee Freimund) Naleid, 90, passed away peacefully at 2:30am on January 13, 2026. Helen was born on Wednesday, January 23, 1935, in Union, Michigan to Clinton and Alice Freimund. Graduated from high school in Cassopolis, MI. On December 28, 1957, Helen married Jon (Jack) Naleid and enjoyed 68 wonderful years of marriage.

Helen attended Western Michigan University, earning a Bachelor of Arts in Education. She later achieved her Master’s Degree in Educational Administration from Roosevelt University. Helen taught grade school in Kalamazoo and White Pigeon, Michigan as well as in District 65 in Evanston, Illinois. She also ran the computer lab at Haven Middle School until her retirement in 1993. 

Helen was a lifelong member of the Methodist Church and was an active participant in her homeowners associations in both Illinois and Arizona, serving in many different positions over the years.

Helen is survived by her husband, Jack; her daughters: Heather (Christopher) Stull, Alicia Naleid, Erica (Michael) Hoffman; Her granddaughter: Margaret (William) Edwards; and Great-grandchildren: Maverick and Evelyn Edwards. 

Helen was preceded in death by her parents, Clinton and Alice Freimund; her siblings: Marjorie (David) Harding, Richard Freimund, Charles (Jean) Freimund.

Helen was a wonderful wife and mother, deeply devoted to her family and to the students she taught. She cared greatly for those around her, always offering kindness and support. Helen was a breast-cancer survivor, and she was honored to share her story as a speaker at the American Cancer Society National Convention in Dallas during the 1980s.

Outside of her career, Helen was a member of Kappa Phi sorority, P.E.O., DAR, and Illinois Computing Educators. She also enjoyed participating in her computer club and genealogy club, knitting, and traveling. Helen had a true enthusiasm for learning; she loved using her computer and was always eager to discover new skills. Winters spent in Sun City West, Arizona with her beloved husband Jack were especially cherished, as was every moment spent with her granddaughter, Maggie. Helen’s warmth, curiosity, and love for adventure touched everyone who knew her.

Services will be held at Yurs Funeral Home at 1771 W State St. in Geneva IL from 2:00 to 5:00 PM on Friday January 16, 2026. Visitation will be from 2:00 to 4:00 PM with a memorial service beginning at 4:00 PM.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Cancer Society at www.cancer.org/donate.

To leave an online condolence or remembrance to the family, please visit the obituary page at www.yursfuneralhome.com. For more information, please call Yurs Funeral Home of Saint Charles and Geneva.

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