Helen Choka

Helen E. Choka went peacefully to her Lord on February 16, 2018, at St. Anne's Nursing Home surrounded by family. She was born in Fort Wayne, Indiana to Vasil and Olga (Paliganoff) Eshcoff on March 27, 1929. She attended Central High School and on June 29, 1947, married Russell V. Choka. Helen and Russ were parents to Ron, Kathy, and Mike (Barbara Choka-Snider (John)) Choka. She was a proud grandmother to Andy (Elizabeth) Choka of Fishers, Indiana, and Matt (Stephanie) Choka of Fort Wayne, Indiana, and great-grandmother to Mason Choka. Helen was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend. She had a generous, considerate heart and gave warmly of herself whenever there was a need. A daughter of Macedonian parents, she was proud of her heritage and renowned for her baking, especially her pitas! She loved her family business of 104 years, Fort Wayne's Famous Coney Island Wiener Stand. Upon her father's death, her husband became co-owner. Helen was the youngest of six children: Luba (Christoff), John, infant Helen, William, and Robert. She was preceded in death by husband, Russ, son, Michael, her sisters, and brothers, John and Bob. She is survived by her son and daughter; grandsons; great-grandson; brother, William (Norma) and sister-in-laws, Anita (Alex) Choka; Natka (Bobby) Eshcoff; Norma (Bill) Eshcoff as well as many beloved cousins, nephews and nieces. Helen was deeply devoted to her Catholic faith, her family, friends, and heritage. She appreciated these and all the joy and laughter that they brought to her in her nearly 89 years. She counted them as gifts from GOD. Helen, the image of elegance, lived the life of a faith-filled woman; a woman beloved and admired by those whose lives she touched. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 12:00 p.m. on Saturday, February 24, 2018, at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception (1122 S. Clinton Street, Fort Wayne, IN 46802). Monsignor Robert Schulte officiating. Viewing will be Friday, February 23, 2018, at Klaehn, Fahl & Melton Funeral Home (6424 Winchester Road, Fort Wayne, IN 46819). Viewing hours are from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. and 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the funeral home, and one hour prior to Mass. Burial will be in Greenlawn Memorial Park (6750 Covington Road, Fort Wayne, IN 46804). Helen requested that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the Eternal Word Television Network.