Helen F. Keller

Died of natural causes, Saturday, January 24th, 2015 - age 94, and now “at Peace”.

Parents fled Eastern European “tensions” and the dissolution of Empires just prior to the outbreak of World War I, and sought the opportunity of a “free and better life” in America. They found happiness in “The American Way” – working hard and raising a family, after settling in the early 1920’s in the city of Detroit.

Helen Frances Krzyzanowski, was the 4th born of eight (8) children; 4 brothers (Bronislav, Walter, Fred, and Frank) and 3 sisters (Stella, Dorothy, and Florence). She is predeceased by all except Florence Sidge.

Helen attended local public schools, and after graduation from high school, accepted a position as office assistant working with an M.D. for whom she told all, “… of those enjoyable years working with the in a family medical practice”.

She met her first husband-to-be in the late 1930s, Raymond Pulk, who was then pending graduation from Wayne University – now Wayne State University, and they married during the last years of the Depression in June 1941.

With the arrival of World War II, life continued, with Ray holding various assignments with “contractors” for the Department of the Army and based at what was later to be called The Detroit Arsenal. Continuing into the 1950s and early 1960s, Ray’s position required considerable travel – inclusive of “behind the Iron Curtain” countries, etc. - when such methods and means were not so common as today. This presented an opportunity in some cases for the family to go to certain “offsite” locations – primarily Western Europe… so, world travellers they would be.

In later years – Helen was able to journey back and visit family “roots” in Eastern Europe… now divided into the countries of Poland, western Russia, Germany, and Ukraine – however, in the early decades of the 20th century, before two World Wars, they formed a major portion of territories of the Austro-Hungarian Empire.

Their son and only child – David Pulk, currently a resident of Dallas/Fort Worth, Texas, was born in 1947. The family lived in several locations in the northwest Detroit/Southfield, Michigan area, until Ray’s early death in July 1962. After 21+ years of a great marriage, Helen thought life might be at an end, as no better could be possible.

To keep her time/mind and soul occupied, she spent considerable time at Immaculate Heart of Mary Church (Detroit), as school administrator/secretary; and devoted time and attention to those activities surrounding that church/school’s requirements. And – in 1963, Helen and (son) David relocated from Southfield to Redford Township, while Helen continued to work at the Church and School.

And then for a great and pleasant surprise! In 1975, Helen meets an old friend, John Keller, recently a widower, and whose family attended the same school and church. They both fell “in love a second time” – and married in August 1976.

John was a World War II Army Veteran, who fought in Europe, returned home to Detroit, and resumed his career in the tool and die business. Along with John - came a wonderful second family and children Helane, John, Kenneth, and James Keller!

They enjoyed nearly 25 years of blissful marriage, as residents of Redford Township attending St Robert Bellarmine Catholic Church. Both now in their retirement years, and children grown – their lives turned to travel and leisure – and keeping up with family, grandchildren, etc.; trips to Alaska, Europe, Canada, etc. as well as much of the USA, and maybe a cruise or two, while weekends would be spent dancing the night away at the local Livonia Chapter of the Knights of Columbus, bowling on multiple leagues, card playing with friends and family, or “gaming” at the casinos in Windsor, Ontario.

Beyond all – was their mutual devotion to the Catholic Church and family values, which extended far and wide, and allowed family and friends an exhibit of living as seen through their lives, as staunch supporters of the Knights of Columbus, Daughters of Isabella, and the Society of Jesus (Jesuits).

Sadly – that ended unexpectedly in February 2001, when John Keller passed. Helen remained in their Redford Township home of many years until unable to care for the upkeep, and in 2009, moved to the Sanctuary at Villa Marie (Livonia) and recently in mid-2014 to the Sanctuary at Woodlands, in Brighton, Michigan.

Marrying and then burying two (2) wonderful husbands, (she considered herself lucky to find)… so - enjoyed life, children and grandchildren, but met her later years hoping to see Ray and John again in the arms of the Lord.

She was well cared for by the “family” at the Sanctuary at Villa Marie and the Sanctuary at the Woodlands, for which OUR FAMILY thanks you. A special thank you to the Detroit-area domiciled family - Helane, Kenneth, and Jim (and friends, spouses, and others), who spent their time to keep her company and help make her comfortable in her later years.

She leaves behind her son (David and wife Grace), step daughter (Helane and husband Blair Koehler), and three (3) stepsons (John and wife Ruth Keller, Kenneth and wife Mary Ellen Keller, and James Keller and fiancé Anne Sowinski).

And - 11 grandchildren - Michael Pulk of Houston-College Station, Texas; Lara (Pulk) and husband Vinnie Calo of Frisco, Texas; Jacqueline Pulk of College Station, Texas; Katherine Pulk (Double Oak, Texas); Steve Keller of Livonia, Michigan; Amy Keller of Chicago, Illinois; Eve Keller of Orlando, Florida; Christine Keller of Orlando, Florida; Kate Ficano and husband Robert of South Lyon, Michigan; Brian Koehler and wife Brandie of Whitmore, Lake, Michigan; and Karyn (Koehler) and husband Kraig Kelly of Howell, Michigan.

And – we shall not forget the (newer) arrivals - great grand-children of Sarah, Kayla, Claire, and Lorelei; as well as many nieces, nephews, and cousins and sister Florence.

She will be missed by all on Earth… She goes to be with her FAMILY… and her loving husbands. May God be with her and All - always.

Funeral arrangements made thru Harry J. Will Funeral Home, 37000 W. 6 Mile Road, Livonia, Michigan 48152 (PH: 734-591-3700); Tuesday, January 27th, 2015 viewing from 15:00 CST onward until closing at 20:00 CST. Evening rosary at 7:00 pm Tuesday at the funeral home.

Mass will be held at St. Edith Catholic Church, 15089 Newburgh Road, Livonia, Michigan 48152; (PH: 734-464-1222), in state at 10:00 am until the time of service at 10:30 am with internment to follow at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery in Southfield, Michigan.

Family and friends are invited to a hospitality luncheon following the burial – exact time/location to be determined.

In lieu of flowers – donations would be most appreciated to the following:

Wounded Warrior Project:

http://www.woundedwarriorproject.org/

http://www.woundedwarriorproject.org/donate.aspx

OR:

University of Detroit Jesuit High School and University of Detroit

https://www.uofdjesuit.org/Donatenow