Helen Louise Hartog, aged 96, died peacefully on January 21, 2025 in Freeport, Illinois with family. Helen was born in Foreston, Illinois, the daughter of Merle and Gladys (Swank) Hiteman. In 1946 she graduated from Forreston High School.

Helen attended University of Dubuque for two years and then taught in Forreston Grade School. She married John Hartog in 1950. Together they raised three children and enjoyed summers in Colorado as a young family. Helen taught at Union School in Freeport, Illinois. She directed choir at Second Presbyterian Church where she was an active member. In 1977 she received her BS degree from the University of Dubuque and then taught music and speech in Orangeville, Illinois. Drawing from the K-12 student body she produced South Pacific, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, The Sound of Music and Mary Poppins. She introduced her high school choir students to international travel and culture as they performed in Europe

In retirement Helen traveled to Greece, Europe and throughout the United States. She enjoyed cross country skiing, golf, theater and dominoes with friends. She loved reading. Helen was an avid quilter creating over one hundred quilts. She gifted many quilts to the Rockford Memorial Neo-natal Unit and in return received beautiful letters from many mothers. She was an active member of Sinnissippi Quilters and she also taught and attended quilting workshops on Washington Island, Lake Geneva and beyond.

Preceding her in death were her beloved husband and her daughter, Susan Hartog. She is survived by her sons, Dr. Thomas (Lynn) Hartog D.D.S., of Freeport and Timothy Hartog of Freeport; two granddaughters, Lauren Hartog and Leigh Hartog MD.

A celebration of life will be held at a later time.