Helen M. Johanek, 90, of Shawano, died on Wednesday, Dec. 17, 2014.
Helen was born on July 15, 1924, in Oconto Falls, the daughter of the late Frank and Josephine (Novak) Chlopek. On Nov. 24, 1945, Helen was united in marriage to Alois L. Johanek at St. Kasimir Catholic Church in Krakow. Alois preceded her in death on May 21, 2003.
Helen’s faith was a very important part of her life. She was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church, as well as the St. Ann’s Society of St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church. Helen enjoyed both flower and vegetable gardening and loved polka dancing. She enjoyed cooking, and her specialties included dumplings, cinnamon rolls and apple pie. Her family and friends were always welcome at her table.
Helen had a contagious smile and attitude, and loved visiting with her family, friends and new people she met. She enjoyed the holidays, especially Christmas. Helen loved her grandchildren and her great-grandchildren, whom she referred to as her “little ones.”
Helen is survived by seven children, Frank (Wendy) Johanek, of Elm Grove, Alois (Lynn) Johanek Jr., of Shawano, Theresa Johanek, of Grafton, Marilyn (Dennis) Olson, of Shawano, Rose (Jerry) Mehlberg, of Hurricane, Utah, Alice (Len) Vander Wyst, of Appleton, and Helen (Pete) Pavalko, of Cedarburg; 13 grandchildren, Benjamin, Nicholas (Amanda), Alexander, Matthew, Scott, Ryan (Amity), Ashley (Joe), Jessica (Tim), Jacqueline, Alissa (Steve), Landon, Parker and Porter; five great-grandchildren, Jackson, Arianna, Geneva, Hannah and Ayana. She is further survived by one sister, Clara Rank, of Gillett, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
Helen was preceded in death by her husband, Alois; infant son, George; her parents; and six brothers and sisters, Sophie, Walter, Edward, Charles, Stanley and Caroline.
A funeral service for Helen will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 20, 2014, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Shawano with the Rev. Luke Ferris, Rev. Al Veik and Rev. Don Thimm officiating. Burial will be in the St. Wenceslaus Catholic Cemetery in the town of Waukechon. Visitation will be held at the church on Saturday from 9:30 a.m. until the time of the service.
Swedberg Funeral Home is assisting the family with the arrangements.
The family would like to extend a special thank you to the staffs at Kindred Hearts and ThedaCare Hospice for the compassion and care shown to Mom.
www.swedbergfuneralhome.com
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