Service Details
Services celebrating Helen’s life will be held in Pentecost Lutheran Church (2213 Coolidge Avenue in Racine) on Wednesday, April 28, 2021 at 5:00 pm with Pastor Luke Jacob officiating. Visitation will be in church on Wednesday from 4:00 – 5:00 pm.
Memorial Suggestions
In memory of Helen, memorials to Pentecost Lutheran Church have been suggested.
Racine – Helen Ruth (nee: Buhse) Smukal, age 87, passed away peacefully, with family at her side, at Ascension All Saints Hospital on Wednesday, April 21, 2021.
Helen was born in Detroit, MI on November 27, 1933 to the late August and Caroline Buhse. She came to Racine in 1966 and worked tirelessly as a retail associate for Lange’s Pharmacy, where she established many relationships with customers over the years.
Helen was a longtime member of Pentecost Lutheran Church. Helen was quite crafty, including quilting, painting & sewing; had a green thumb for vegetable & flower gardening; relaxed with backyard bird watching; was always proud of her impeccable lawn; and was a phenomenal cook & baker – who enjoyed giving away meals to family & friends – all of whom were excited & excited to receive. Above all, Helen loved spending time with her entire family.
Surviving are her children, Deb Smukal-Petri, Steve Smukal and Carrie (Al Malmstadt) Smukal; Al’s daughter who loved being with Helen, Gabrial Malmstadt; other relatives, friends & former Lange’s customers & co-workers– too numerous to mention all by name.
In addition to her parents, Helen was greeted in Heaven by her sisters, Agnes (Bob) Draves and Edith (Ray) Collick; and brothers, Carl (Alice) Buhse and Art (Shirley) Buhse.
Services celebrating Helen’s life will be held in Pentecost Lutheran Church (2213 Coolidge Avenue in Racine) on Wednesday, April 28, 2021 at 5:00 pm with Pastor Luke Jacob officiating. Visitation will be in church on Wednesday from 4:00 – 5:00 pm. In memory of Helen, memorials to Pentecost Lutheran Church have been suggested.
Peggy Zurawski says
Helen gave us so many good memories through all of our years at Langes. She gave the best hugs and always brought in good treats for us to share. She even made rice pudding for me when I was having cancer treatments – it was so good. God bless you Helen. Ill always remember you.
Pam Visser-Sinclair says
I am so sorry to see the news of your mom’s passing… I have known her for many years… She always had a smile and a large Hi! when I saw her. Prayers and hugs to all of you….
Russ Kaminski says
Helen was an amazing person. She would make cookies with my boys when they were younger and always cooking special things for us. We will never forget you Helen.
Laura Lee Dominguese says
So sad to learn Hellie has passed. She was a good friend to my mom and a fun person to be around. My thoughts are with you guys.
Christopher C says
My condolences on your loss, my sympathies to all your family in this time of grief.
Todd and Mark says
Mark and I extend our deep condolences to Deb, Steve and Carrie. We were saddened to hear of the sudden loss of your Mom. Our simple words will never take away the pain of losing a loved one, but please know we are thinking of you today. Helen was an extraordinary lady who was a wonderful example for us all and our collective memories can be and will be a great comfort to you ( I am thinking of one morning when we enjoyed a batch of Helen’s fresh beignets ). Thanks for the memories Helen.
Chris and Lisa Hillyer says
Deepest Sympathies on the loss of your mom.