Helen Louise Busarow was born on June 30, 1929 in Decatur, Illinois to Otto and Louise Tertel and died peacefully on Sunday, May 17, 2026. She was married to Pastor Gilbert N. Busarow for 34 years and brought 5 children into their family. In addition to being a homemaker, Helen worked as a certified nursing assistant at Belleville Memorial Hospital in Belleville, Illinois. She loved caring for the infants in their newborn nursery.

Helen was an active member of Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Collinsville, Illinois, participated in women’s ministries, the choir, attended Bible studies and served the community by driving elderly individuals to doctors’ appointments.

Helen was preceded in death by her husband, their eldest son, Daniel, her younger sister, Esther, and two brothers, Donald and Robert. She is remembered affectionately by her sisters, Lillian and Bernice, her children Debra (Michael), Stephen (Jane), Philip (Robin) and Elizabeth (Kelly),and 14 grandchildren, 24 great-grandchildren, and 2 great-great-grandchildren.

A service celebrating Helen’s life will be held at 11 AM on Thursday, May 21, 2026 at Holy Cross Lutheran Church with visitation beginning at 9 AM. The church is located at 304 South St., Collinsville, Illinois. Helen will be laid to rest beside her husband.

The family is being served by HERR Funeral Home, 501 West Main Street, Collinsville, Illinois 62234.