Helen Elizabeth Duke

Helen Elizabeth (Tichacek) Duke, age 90 of Traverse City went to sleep with Jesus Thursday, June 14, 2018. Helen was born in St. Louis, MO., October 6, 1927 to beloved parents Robert and Ella (Hoag) Tichacek.

She attended Harris Teachers College, and joined Sigma Beta Phi sorority and met George Merrill Duke whom she married June 10, 1950 at Messiah Lutheran Church.

Due to George’s employment, they were transferred to Detroit, MI., and active in Shepherd-King Lutheran Church in Farmington, MI. Following that, Kansas City, MO, living in Overland Park, KS, attending Bethany Lutheran Church and then to Flint, MI. home in Grand Blanc and Faith Lutheran Church. Helen was secretary to several pastors and taught weekday school and Sunday school. Her work life was executive secretary at Western Electric Division of AT & T and Mass Mutual Insurance Company. She was also active in Hill and Dale Garden Club, Woman’s National Farm and Garden Org., and Elk Rapids Garden Club.

Helen was a flower arranger, designer and flower show judge, along with being an avid reader and a docent at Dennos Museum, Traverse City for 15 years.

She leaves behind her husband of 68 years, George, and much loved nieces & nephews, Lynn (Bud) Occhi, Gail (Steven) Manche, Nancy (Donald) Thomas, Beth (Ray) McAnallen, Robert Radinsky, Eugene (Ann)Vogel, Timothy (Karen) Vogel, James Vogel, Donald (Peggy) Bishop, Wayne (Mary Ann) Bishop, Sue (John) Humphryes, beloved great-nieces Jennifer, Nancy and Ella Bishop, great-great nephew Evan Bishop, and sister- in-law Geraldine (Alan) Zeller. Karen Kane, faithful friend to Helen & George. She was preceded in death by both parents, siblings: Mary Louise (Dr. Harrel) Bishop, Robert (Elise) Tichacek, Jr., Kenneth (MaeEllen) Tichacek, nieces & nephews: Robert (Mary Lou) Bishop, Maribeth Radinsky, and sister in law Marjorie (Eugene) Vogel.

A Memorial service will be held on Monday, June 18, 2018 at 1:00 p.m. from Grace Lutheran Church, Elk Rapids. Visitation at the church will begin at noon until the time of service. Immediately following, a luncheon will be served at the AmVets Hall in Elk Rapids.

Remembrances in lieu of flowers appreciated to Grace, Lutheran Church 16194 Wanigan Dr. Elk Rapids, MI. 49629. Arrangements entrusted to the Covell Funeral Home of Traverse City.