Jan (Helck) Gudauskas

Jan (Helck) Gudauskas, born November 8, 1945, passed away peacefully on the evening of July 28, 2025, at 5:23 PM, surrounded by love and in comfort.

Born in Danville, Illinois, Jan was the daughter of Harry and Elma Helck and a proud graduate of Danville High School, where she laid the foundation for a life defined by quiet strength, hard work, and meaningful community impact. She was preceded in death by her parents and her brother, Dick Helck, who passed away in 2015.

Jan spent the majority of her career as a respected small business owner, founding and operating Sen-Mail, a mailing services company that supported Danville and the surrounding area for more than 25 years. Known for her tireless dedication to her clients and her community, Jan built her business the same way she lived her life — with integrity, consistency, and care.

Earlier in her career, she worked at Hyster Corporation, where she developed the professional foundation that would shape her entrepreneurial journey. She was also an active member of the Executive Club and the Danville Chamber of Commerce, where she championed small business development and supported the advancement of other women in leadership.

Jan was a longtime member of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Covington, where she found faith, fellowship, and lasting spiritual community.

She is survived by her son, Wyatt Cline, daughter-in-law Amy Cline, and her three grandchildren — Payton (17), Riley (15), and Grayson (13) — who were the great joys of her life. She was endlessly proud of them, and they carry forward her values of hard work, kindness, and perseverance in their own unique ways. Her influence lives on through them.

Jan shared a lasting and meaningful bond with Bill Gudauskas, whose presence throughout her life — especially in her later years — brought her steady comfort and unwavering friendship.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 11:00 AM on Thursday, August 7, 2025, at Sunset Funeral Home and Cremation Center at 3940 N. Vermilion St., Danville, IL 61834. Father Rasner will officiate. Burial will be in Georgetown Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 9-11:00 AM on Thursday, August 7, 2025 at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in Jan’s memory to the Alzheimer’s Foundation, a cause close to their hearts.

She planted seeds of love, persistence, and quiet strength. Though she is gone, the seeds she nurtured continue to grow.

Please join Jan’s family in sharing memories, photos and videos on her tribute wall at www.sunsetfuneralhome.com.