Obituary of Helen O. Achilli

HELEN O. ACHILLI, 85, of Fort Atkinson, WI. passed away unexpectedly Wednesday December 3rd at University of Wisconsin Hospital-Madison from a car accident. With her own pen she writes; Born at Cook County Hospital in Chicago, IL June 7, 1929. First of 10 children born to William and Marie (Skar-Berg) Schenck. I was raised from Chicago to working on farms around Wisconsin, attending one room country schools, being confirmed at Cooksville, WI Lutheran Church. My family finally moved to a farm near Oregon, WI where I attend high school, graduating in 1948. Becoming a dental assistant until my marriage to Stanley L. Cross on November 11, 1950. We moved to Monona, WI. giving birth to my two precious sons, Steven and Daniel the love of my life! When my boys were older, I worked as a waitress until moving to Fort Atkinson in 1968, continuing as a waitress while Stanley worked in maintenance at Fort hospital. I moved to Las Vegas, NV in 1983, got a job at apartment complex in maintenance and housekeeping departments, married Rio Achilli on July 20, 1991, and retiring in1997. We sold our Las Vegas home in July of 2007, relocated back to Wisconsin to be closer to family. Always a big fan of Brewers, Badgers and Packers I also loved going on trips. Especially enjoying riding on the back of Dan's Harley. Riding even at 80 I camped out with Dan on our trip to the Sturgis biker rally. Going with Steve and Cathy in their RV to see Heather in Atlanta sightseeing along the way was fun. I loved being with my sons, their families, and other family gatherings. I was so proud of my family. I will miss Wii Bowling at the Senior Center with my neighbor Gloria, my regular Wednesday morning bowling girls at Rock River Lanes, and the bowling trips. I sadly left behind Steven (Cathy) Cross of Jefferson, Daniel (Janice) Cross of Fort Atkinson. My 8-grandchildren; Stacy (Tim) Punzel, Tony (Andrea) Cross, Rachel (Frank) Coty, Dan (Carrie) Cross, Cheryl (Cam) Cross, Heather Cross, Lorie (Mike) Knoll, Robert (Cindy) Cairns. My 7-great grandchildren; Kinsey Cross, Caitlyn, Conner and Donovan Coty, Brett Hafenstein, Brandon Baron, and Lauren Baron. My beloved sisters; Sylvia Turner of Portage, Betty (Bill) Evans of Powell OH, Jackie Steiner of Beloit, along with many nieces, and nephews. Also left my extended family; daughters Joy (Terry) Snyder of Santa Marie CA, Melody (Guido) Lambelet of Espinola NM, and sons; Paul (Karen) Achilli of Jefferson, Adam (Patty) Achilli of Fort Atkinson, 8-grandchildren, and 3-great grandchildren. Close to my heart are my special friends in Las Vegas, Idaho, along with local friends and neighbors. Along with my beloved dog "Dusty" Preceded in death by my parents, my husbands, Stanley Cross, Rio Achilli, sisters; Norma (Ray) Anderson, Joyce Braun, Shirley (Arland) Turben, and Sharon Schenck. Brothers; William in infancy, and Willis Schenck. Visitation will be held from 4:00-8:00 p.m. on Friday December 12, 2014 at Schneider-Michaelis Funeral home Jefferson, WI. Graveside Services along with a celebration of life will be held next spring commencing at the Union Cemetery in the Town of Sumner. Please Visit www.schneidermichaelisfuneralhome.com to leave an expression of celebration of Helen's life or to light a candle in her memory.