Helen Julia Kelleher

Kenosha – Helen Julia (nee: Reszka) Kelleher, age 96, peacefully received the promise of eternal life on Thursday, January 30, 2014 at St. Joseph’s Home in Kenosha.

Helen was born on October 22, 1917 in Minto, North Dakota, she was the daughter of the late Stanley and Anna (nee: Mach) Reszka. She was educated in the schools of North Dakota.

After attending Mayville State Teacher’s College in North Dakota, she taught school in Park River, N.D. where she met and married Vivian B. Kelleher.  They moved to Wisconsin and lived in Racine for 12 years before relocating to Kenosha where they owned and operated Kelly’s Bar and Restaurant on 7th Avenue until 1970. Passionate about the children in her Parish, she also taught second and third grade at St. George Catholic School for more than 30 years retiring in 1979. While teaching the children of St. George Parish, Mrs. Kelleher was awarded “Outstanding Teacher of Year” by the Milwaukee Archdiocese.

With a profound Christian faith, Helen was a member and served on the parish council of St. George Catholic Church, now known as St. Elizabeth, where she faithfully attended daily Mass. Among her interests, she enjoyed cooking, baking, canning, gardening, reading, crocheting, puzzles, the Chicago Cubs and a good poker game. Most of all, she loved her family and cherished the times spent during get-togethers and holidays.

Helen is loved and remembered by her six children, Verda Wolf, Bryant (Pao Feng Chen) Kelleher, Kathleen (Ronald) Conforti, Teresa (Wayne) Baltes, Patrice (Peter) Fanduzzi and Mary (Alex) Lindqvist, all of Kensoha;  twelve grandchildren, Kathy (David) Stitch, Neil (Susan) Wolf III, Amy Conforti ,Christopher Conforti, Jennifer (Jim) Bezotte, Bryant (Wendy) Horvat, Linda (Joshua) Trepcyzk,  Jeffery Conforti,  Tamatha (Ron) Weeks, Megan (Donald) Stancato, Donald Kelleher  and  Jennifer Fanduzzi;  eighteen great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; and two sisters, Sister Mary Loyola, C.R. and Mary Anne (Leo) Bonaime; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. In addition to her parents and husband, Vivian, she was preceded in death by a sister, Sophie Korynta.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Thursday, February 6, 2014 at 11:00 am in St. Elizabeth Catholic Church (4816 – 7th Avenue) with Rev. Sean Granger officiating. Interment will follow in St. George Cemetery. Visitation will be in the church on Thursday from 9:30-11:00 am. In lieu of flowers, memorials to Hospice Alliance and St. Elizabeth Parish have been suggested.

Helen’s family express sincere appreciation for the dedicated and loving care given to her by the staff & caregivers of St. Joseph Home and Hospice Alliance. They extend special gratitude to her caregivers and friends – Nurse Julie; Brenda and Rebecca; and to Jessica Ware. Helen loved you all!