HELEN TROCHLIL

HELEN TROCHLIL

October 12, 1938-June 10, 2026

Helen Trochlil, 87, of Willmar, MN 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. Interment will be at St. Mary's Catholic Cemetery in Bechyn, MN on Saturday, June 20 at 9:00 a.m.   Memorials are preferred to CentraCare Hospice. 

Helen was born October 12, 1938, in Franklin, MN, 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, MN 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, MN when Charles began teaching at the Willmar Area Vo-Tech.

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 13 grandchildren; and her four great-grandchildren.  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.

Arrangements are with Harvey Anderson & Johnson Funeral Homes.