Gloria Mae Helixon

Gloria Mae Helixon (née Hestekind) August 31, 1931 – May 27, 2026

The final curtain has fallen on a full, vibrant, and deeply rewarding life.

Gloria Mae Hestekind Helixon was born on August 31, 1931, in Eau Claire, Wisconsin, to Al and Mae Hestekind. She was raised in Marshfield, where her love of music, performance, and entertaining began early—singing, dancing, and appearing in shows alongside her brother from a very young age.

A gifted student and natural performer, Gloria was active in choir, band, and theater throughout high school. She was a member of the National Honor Society, recognized in Who’s Who in American High Schools, and starred in leading roles, including a standout senior performance in Stage Door.

She went on to attend the University of Wisconsin–Eau Claire, where she fully immersed herself in both academics and the arts. Gloria performed in numerous productions, participated in student government, and was named “Actress of the Year.” Her senior project—writing and directing a full variety show—earned praise from university leadership, and she graduated with recognition in Who’s Who in American Colleges and Universities.

Gloria began her career at Wausau High School, teaching English, speech, and drama while directing multiple productions each year. She also embraced new opportunities, including hosting a weekly live television program highlighting high school coursework—an experience she thoroughly enjoyed.

She later met the love of her life, Dennie Helixon, and they were married on June 7, 1956. Together they moved to Illinois, where Gloria built a thriving high school drama program, directing multiple shows annually over a distinguished 22-year career. These years were some of the most professionally fulfilling of her life.

During these years, Gloria and Dennie also began building a special connection to the Northwoods. They purchased a lake lot on Long Lake in Phillips, Wisconsin, where they spent their summers enjoying time on the water, golfing, and creating lasting memories. Their love for the area continued to grow, and after building their distinctive hexagon-shaped home near the golf course, they made the decision to permanently move to Phillips. Gloria would go on to spend more than 63 years there—loving the community deeply and proudly calling it home.

In 1978, Gloria and Dennie moved to Phillips, Wisconsin, beginning a new chapter centered on community leadership, creativity, and service. Gloria played a vital role in the founding and growth of the Northwoods Players, serving as its president for 34 years and leaving a lasting mark on the local arts community.

She gave generously of her time in many other ways as well—serving 15 years as secretary of the Phillips School Board, 15 years as treasurer of Trinity Lutheran Church, and contributing to the Anne Marie Foundation. She continued teaching gifted and talented drama students and directed high school musicals for a decade, inspiring countless young people along the way.

Her impact on the community did not go unnoticed. Gloria was named “Citizen of the Year” by the Phillips Chamber of Commerce in 1983 and “Friend of Education” by the Phillips School Board in 2006.

Outside of her public life, Gloria was endlessly creative and energetic. She was a very gifted piano player and shared that talent generously, playing for her beloved Trinity Lutheran Church for countless years. She knitted and crocheted countless gifts for family, explored many crafts, and was an avid reader. She and Dennie also shared a deep love of golf and travel, spending many happy years on courses across Wisconsin, as well as extended visits to Myrtle Beach and The Villages.

Gloria was preceded in death by her loving husband, Dennie Helixon; her parents, Al and Mae Hestekind; her brother, Duane Hestekind; and her brothers-in-law, Jerry Poplawski and Richard Knar.

She is survived by her sisters, Sonja Poplawski and Renee Knar; her beloved bird, Scotter; along with many nieces and nephews who will forever cherish her love, creativity, and larger-than-life spirit.

The memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, June 6, 2026, at the Hansen-Schilling Funeral Home (1010 E. Veterans Pkwy., Marshfield). The Rev. Mark Krueger will officiate. Visitation will be at the funeral home on Saturday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service.

Gloria and Dennie will be laid to rest together in Marshfield, Wisconsin.

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