Helen H. Laukes

Helen H. Laukes of Beacon Hill Retirement Community-Lombard. Formerly of Forest Park, Illinois was born on December 4, 1923 in Evanston, Illinois to Marie and Anthony Hamen. She passed away on February 1, 2016 at Good Samaritan Hospital in Downers Grove, Illinois.

Helen worked for Illinois Bell until she enlisted in the United States Marine Corps in February of 1943. She tried to enlist earlier by lying about her age, but her father would not sign so she had to wait until after December 4, 1943. Upon Marine Corps boot camp graduation, Helen went to Motor Transport School and was stationed on Parris Island.

She was married to Emil Laukes, a fellow Marine, on September 23, 1944 and transferred to Camp LeJeune- Bus Section, where her husband was stationed. Unfortunately he was transferred out a week before Helen arrived.

After receiving an Honorable Discharge in December of 1945 from the Marine Corps. Helen went back to work for Illinois Bell Telephone until the birth of her first child in 1946 and did not go back to Illinois Bell until 1956. She finally retired from Illinois Bell in 1981 as a National Accounts Service Manager.

Helen joined the Women’s Marine Association as a charter member, but dropped out while raising a family and working. She joined again when IL-2 Chapter was formed in 1972. Helen held all offices in the chapter at one time or another, including National President of the Women’s Marine Association from 1988 - 1992. She also chaired the Recognition and Awards Committee 1984 - 1986, 1st Vice President 1986 - 1988, Chairman of the Financial Advisory Committee and Chairman of the Plans and Policy Committee.

Helen is the beloved wife of the late Emil.

Loving mother of Mary (Bruce) Laukes Johnson, James Laukes, David Laukes and Edward J. (Karen) Laukes.

Beloved daughter of the late Marie and Anthony Hamen.

Proud grandmother of James (Christine) Fallon, Dawn Laukes, Kelley (Chris) Stow, Kristen Laukes and Cody Johnson.

Great grandmother of Mia Fallon and Michaela Fallon.

Dear sister of the late Joseph Hamen.

Fond aunt of many nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers donations to the Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation at www.mcsf.org would be appreciated.

Visitation Wednesday, February 3rd 3-8PM at

Chapel Hill Gardens West Funeral Home

17W201 Roosevelt Rd

Oakbrook Terrace

Family and friends to gather Thursday, February 4th for visitation 12:30PM until time of Funeral Mass 1:30PM DIRECTLY at

Christ the King Catholic Church

1501 S. Main St.

Lombard.

Interment at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery- Elwood, Illinois will be held at a future date.