Helga N. Mansfield

Helga Mansfield, born on August 19, 1942, in Germany, passed away peacefully on October 23, 2025, at the JourneyCare Hospice in Barrington, Illinois, following a brief battle with cancer. She was 83 years old. After completing her education in Germany, Helga worked with a German police department in cooperation with American military forces, serving as a translator to help open and close U.S. military bases throughout Europe. In 1967, she traveled to the United States for a vacation, where she met her future husband, John Roth. The following year, she returned to America on a work visa and began working for the Chicago Police Department. After settling in Huntley and spending many years working at the Milk Pail Restaurant in East Dundee, she and her husband opened Helga’s Bar and Restaurant in downtown Huntley in 1985. It quickly became a local favorite—famous for one-pound burgers, Friday fish fries, prime rib Saturdays, and traditional German dishes like Rouladen, Schnitzel, and her much-loved German Potato Salad. After closing the restaurant in 1989, Helga began a new chapter in her life. Following her divorce, she later married Leland Mansfield in 1992 and began working for Union Special, where she translated German blueprints into English for sewing-machine manufacturing in the U.S. She later joined Winergy Corp. as an International Buyer for wind-turbine gearbox parts, a role that took her to Brazil, China, and throughout Europe. Over the years, Helga was an active member of the Lions Club and the Penguins Snowmobile Club, and she especially loved spending summer days boating on Lake Geneva with friends and family. Helga took great pride in her home and spent countless hours landscaping and planting flowers, creating a peaceful space to share with loved ones. She was a devoted Green Bay Packers fan and enjoyed the occasional trip to the casino for a bit of fun. A lifelong animal lover, Helga cared deeply for creatures great and small. She leaves behind her beloved German Shepherd, Lena, and two cats, Mouse and Dorian, who brought her endless joy and companionship. Helga is survived by her loving children, Ingo “Joe” (Twila) Ehrfeld and Michele (Dana) Ingwalson, and her cherished granddaughters Samantha, Alexandra, and Allison. She is also fondly remembered by her stepchildren: Carol (Larry) Swieca, Mary (Dan) Ellison, Lee Ann Mansfield, and Tom (Lisa) Mansfield; and their families, including grandchildren Sara, Eric, Jordan, Katie, Becca, Spencer, Maranda, Angelia, and Thomas. She was preceded in death by her parents, her sister Inge, and her husband, Leland. Helga will be remembered for her kindness, strength, and her unwavering devotion to family, friends, and the animals she loved. Her laughter, warmth, and generous spirit will continue to live on in the hearts of those who knew her. A Celebration of Life will be held on Friday, November 14, 2025, from 5:00 to 9:00 p.m. at the Huntley American Legion. Friends and family are warmly invited to share stories, memories, or simply stop by to pay their respects and celebrate the life of a remarkable woman. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Animal House Shelter in Huntley.

Helga N. Mansfield

August 19, 1942 - October 23, 2025