Helen Irene Dudek

Helen Dudek passed away peacefully on May 15, 2025.

Helen was born April 6, 1928 in Wayland, Ohio to Katherine and Christian Kainrad. Helen grew up on the family farm in the midst of The Great Depression and WWII. Although hard work and sacrifice were a constant, she cherished her large family and life on the farm. Helen joins her parents and her eight siblings in eternal rest.

After graduating from Paris Township High School in 1946, she moved to Akron and was employed by Yeagers Department Store. Helen met Frank R. Dudek at the German American Hall where they enjoyed Polka dances. They were married on October 22,1949. They enjoyed 62 years of marriage raising their seven children in Ravenna on N. Prospect St., where Helen was known as Mrs. D to the neighborhood youth.

Helen is predeceased by her loving husband Frank, beloved son, Myron and cherished daughter in-law, Sandra Dudek.

She is survived by her children, Emmy Haiflich (Bill Sowinski), Frank Dudek (Sandra, decd), Ray Dudek, Kathy Schley (David), Larry (aka Joe) Dudek and Nick Dudek. Helen enjoyed each moment she had with her grandchildren and the milestone events in their lives, Melissa Trautman, (Derick), Zac Haiflich, (Jill), Matt Dudek, (Beryl), Josh Dudek (Laura), Andrew Dudek, Paul Schley, (Megan) and Nicholas Schley. Her nine great grandchildren were a delight, Shane and Connor Trautman, Sophia and Wyatt Haiflich, Adella, Steena, Gretta and Willa Dudek and Hudson Dudek.

Her connection to her many friends and family members was a source of strength and love throughout her life, not to mention her strong bond with 70 nieces and nephews. Helen was a homemaker most of her life but enjoyed several part-time jobs which included providing childcare for several families and as a sales rep for Home Interiors and Gifts. Helen was an excellent cook and enjoyed baking cookies every Christmas to share with family and friends. She also loved giving away her delicious sauerkraut salad, pecan tarts and stuffed peppers. She made holiday parties at Highland School a memorable event serving as a Room Mother for many years.

As a member of Immaculate Conception Church, she valued Young at Heart and other Parish events. The Parish Annual Raffle ticket fundraiser gave Helen a sense of purpose for many years as she became known as the “ticket master”- raising thousands through her amazing ability to sell 100 or more books each year. She looked forward to her monthly lunch bunch, card club, spaghetti dinners at the church and her weekly hair appointment at Hair It Is with Becky.

Helen was an avid Cleveland sports fan, watching Cavs and Guardians games on TV. Despite all her health and physical challenges throughout her long life, we were inspired by and admired her strong will to persevere and remain active and independent. We all enjoyed her mischievous and fun-loving nature. Helen’s caring presence in our lives was one that embraced joy and kindness.

The family is grateful for the excellent care she received by the UH Portage Hospital staff and Affinity Hospice during her final days. Memorial contributions in Helen’s memory can be made to Immaculate Conception Parish at 409 West Main Street, Ravenna Ohio 44266

Mass of Christian Burial, celebrated by Rev. William Kraynak, will be held at 11am on Saturday, May 24, 2025, at Immaculate Conception Church, 409 W. Main St., Ravenna. Inurnment will be at St. Mary Cemetery.

Condolences and memories can be shared at www.wood-kortright-borkoski.com

(Wood-Kortright-Borkoski 330-296-6436)