Helen Sophie (Biernacki) Retek

Helen Sophie (Biernacki) Retek, 94, surrounded by her loving family peacefully passed away on Saturday, July 13, 2024. Helen was born June 5, 1930 in LaPorte, Indiana to the late Carl Rudolph Biernacki and Rose (Sutor) Zakowski. On September 17, 1949 Helen married the love of her life, Rudolph Ernest Retek, he preceded her in death on November 17, 1997.  She is also preceded in death by her sister, Sophie Biernacki: and brothers, Walter, Joseph, and Casimir Biernacki, and Richard Zakowski.

Left to cherish memories of Helen are her children, Barbara Jean (Paul) Upmeyer of Coral Springs, FL, Rudy (Carol) Retek,  Julie (Cliff) Payne, both of South Bend, Ernie (Jan) Retek of Smithfield, NC; grandchildren, Nikki (Troy) Hernandez, John (Leigha) Upmeyer, Kyle (Heidi Chudzicki) Retek, Kelly (Matthew) Kissel, Angela (Daniel) Reffo, Robyn (Matthew) Rogers, Amy Yeakey, Bill Payne, Matthew (Debbie) Retek, Grace Retek; great-grandchildren, Alexzander & Zachary Hernandez, J.D. Upmeyer, Katherine “Katie” & Jacob Retek, Reese, Cassidy, & Bryce Kissel, Olivia, Noah, & Breanna Reffo, Camden & Ethan Rogers, Brittany (Jake Kennedy) Payne & Trey Collins, Will Payne, and Aria & Zara Retek.

Helen was a parishioner of Holy Family Catholic Church, a member of the St. Vincent DePaul Society, Harvest Club at St. Adalbert, PNA Club 83, and volunteered at Sanctuary of St. Joseph Nursing Home. She enjoyed bowling, attending Notre Dame women’s basketball games, watching Notre Dame football games, and attending her grandchildren & great-grandchildren’s school and sporting events. Helen also enjoyed dancing, Polka's and line dancing were her favorites. She loved baking kieflies and cut out sugar cookies for Christmas, and lamb cakes for Easter. Most important to Helen was giving and receiving hugs.

Visitation for Helen will be 2:00 pm to 8:00 pm, on Thursday, July 18, 2024 with a rosary being prayed at 4:00 pm in St. Joseph Funeral Home, Mayflower Rd.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 am on Friday, July 19, 2024 in Holy Family Catholic Church, 56405 Mayflower Rd., South Bend, with visitation 9:00 am to 9:45 am, prior to the mass at the Funeral Home. Burial will follow in St. Joseph Cemetery.

Memorial Contributions may be made to the Center for Hospice Care, 501 Comfort Place Dr., Mishawaka, IN 46545 or Holy Family Catholic Church.

The family would like to thank Memorial Hospital, and the Center for Hospice Care for the wonderful and loving care they provided.

Online condolences may be made at sjfh.net.

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