Jennifer Jean (Fesser) Helgen

Jennifer Jean (Fesser) Helgen, 42, of Litchfield, passed away Thursday, October 16, 2025. She was born September 17, 1983, in Vandalia, IL, a daughter of Darrell Eugene and Jeannie Lou (Thiele) Fesser. Jennifer graduated from Lincolnwood High School with the class of 2002 and obtained her Bachelor of Science in Education at Illinois State University, and Master of Arts in Education at Southern Illinois University, Edwardsville. She owned Lily Pad Learning Centers in Litchfield, Staunton, and Hazelwood, MO. Jennifer was a member of Zion Lutheran Church in Litchfield, a past board member of Zion Lutheran School, and a member of the City of Litchfield Economic Planning Commission. She enjoyed attending concerts, traveling, and watching her daughter’s sports games. One of her greatest passions was educating our youth. Jennifer took great pride in having quality, affordable, and structured education for all children with her daycares. They were truly an extension of her family.

Jennifer is survived by:

Her husband, David Helgen of Litchfield

Her daughter, Morgan Helgen of Litchfield

Her parents, Darrell and Jeannie Fesser of rural Butler

Her sister, Lindsey (Devin) Bedinger of Raymond

Her maternal grandmother, Betty Thiele of Vandalia

Her parents-in-law, Mike and Becky Helgen of Litchfield

Several aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews.

Graveside funeral services for Jennifer will be held Thursday, October 23, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at Edgewood Cemetery in Litchfield. Rev. Fred Kraemer of Zion Lutheran Church in Litchfield will officiate. There will be no visitation. A funeral procession will line up at Plummer Funeral Home beginning at 10:30 a.m. Thursday morning and go in procession to the cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials be directed to Zion Lutheran Church and Zion Lutheran School, 1301 N. State Street, Litchfield, IL, 62056.

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.