Helen Alice (McFarland) Trochlil

Helen Trochlil, 87, of Willmar, passed away Wednesday, June 10, 2026, at Cura of Willmar after a long battle with multiple myeloma.

Her Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11:00 a.m. Friday, June 19, at the Church of St. Mary in Willmar with visitation two hours prior to the service at the church. A stream of the service can be viewed at https://www.ourlivingwater.org/helentrochlil.html.  Interment will be at St. Mary's Catholic Cemetery in Bechyn on Saturday, June 20 at 9:00 a.m.   Memorials are preferred to CentraCare Hospice.  Arrangements are with Harvey Anderson & Johnson Funeral Homes.

Helen was born October 12, 1938, in Franklin, Minnesota, to John and Alice (Schroeder) McFarland. She grew up in Franklin and graduated from Franklin High School in 1956. Following high school, she lived in the Twin Cities and worked in a variety of secretarial positions, including serving as a stenographer on the floor of the Minnesota State Capitol.

On August 19, 1961, she was united in marriage to Charles Trochlil in Franklin. They made their home in Bird Island, where Charles taught school. Helen was a devoted stay-at-home mother who lovingly raised their four children: Steve, John, Bradley, and Lynn. In 1969, the family moved to Willmar when Charles began teaching at the Willmar Area Vo-Tech.

Helen was a faithful member of the Church of St. Mary in Willmar and served as the head of CCD for several years during the 1980s. She was also a member of the Red Hat Society. A wonderful cook and gifted seamstress, Helen sewed many of her children's clothes when they were young. She enjoyed spending time on the Trochlil family farm near Olivia and traveling throughout the United States, Europe, and New Zealand.  Helen and Charles were also fortunate enough to have spent 25 winters in Casa Grande, AZ.  As the cancer took its toll, she still enjoyed getting together with her friends at Little Duke's.  Most of all, she cherished time with her family and was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother.  

She is survived by her husband, Charles Trochlil; her four children, Steven (Ann) Trochlil, John (Chris) Trochlil, Bradley Joseph (Clystie) Trochlil, and Lynn Crist; her grandchildren, Charles (Sydney) Trochlil, Maxwell Trochlil, William Trochlil, Lucas Trochlil, Jenna (Alex) Lorman, Aaron Trochlil, Ashlee Trochlil, Trey Trochlil, Jesse Peightal, Helen Peightal, Cassidy Crist, Allison Crist, and Lydia Crist; and her great-grandchildren, Everly Lorman, and Liam, Ryleigh and Harper Peightal.  Also surviving are her siblings, Jeanne (John) Hassinger, Tom (Mary Ann) McFarland, Kathy Valentin, Mary Lou Hall, and Patrick McFarland; a sister-in-law, Mary McFarland; many nieces and nephews; and other relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her brother, Lawrence McFarland; her brother-in-law, Jerry Hall: and her son-in-law, Michael Crist.

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