Helen Voracek, 86
Helen M. Voracek, 86, of Faribault, died Friday, March 11, 2011, at St. Lucas Care Center in Faribault, surrounded by her family.
Helen Marie Skluzacek, a daughter of Joseph J. and Anna (Schoenbauer) Skluzacek, was born on March 27, 1924, at her family's home in Wheatland Township, Rice County. She attended high school in Lonsdale. On November 27, 1944, she married George W. Voracek at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Lonsdale. George preceded her in death in 2009. Helen and George were lifelong farmers in Forest Township. She also worked as a cook at Bethlehem Academy High School and at MSAD. She was a member of many organizations over her lifetime, including the Council of Catholic Women (CCW), Knights of Columbus Ladies Auxiliary, a religious education instructor, a member of Home Extension, a 4-H Leader, a member of the prayer chain at the Church of St. Patrick and a member of the Montgomery Czech Singers. Helen was also honored by the Faribault Daily News as an Unsung Hero.
She is survived by seven children George (Eileen) Voracek, Faribault, Jan (Steve) Gillen, Faribault, Mary Mensing (and fiance Jim Friedrichs), Mankato, Joan (Lenny) Smisek, Lonsdale, Grace Voracek, Faribault, Randy (Robin) Voracek, Faribault, and Donna Mae (Ron) Kadrlik, Faribault; 19 grandchildren; 22 great-grandchildren; four siblings Joseph L. Skluzacek, Lonsdale, Edith (Gene) Connelly, Savage, Mary (Leo) Scheffler, Henderson, and Gilbert (Elsie) Skluzacek, Lonsdale; and special friend of the family Linda Reed, Faribault.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; a granddaughter Dawn Kuchinka; grandson Jonathon Voracek; great-grandsons Benjamin Voracek and Mitchell Bloomquist; a sister Claire Nicholay; and brother-in-law Syl Nicholay.
Mass of Christian Burial was held Tuesday, March 15, at 10:30 a.m., at the Church of St. Patrick in Shieldsville. Interment was at Calvary Cemetery in Lonsdale.
Visitation was held at the Parker Kohl Funeral Home & Crematory in Faribault on Monday from 4 to 8 p.m., and at the church on Tuesday for one hour prior to services.
