Helen Theresa Benuska, 99, passed away at Froedtert Pleasant Prairie Hospital, on December 14, 2021, due to complications from pneumonia.
She was born December 10, 1922 in Ottawa, IL, daughter of the late Andrew P. and Anna (Sarinec) Gombar. Helen was the fifth of eight children. The family moved to Somers, WI on August 27, 1923 and Helen grew up on the family farm, planting, hoeing, weeding, picking apples, pears and plums, harvesting, and many other chores. After attending Hillcrest School and Washington Junior High, she graduated from Kenosha High School in 1940, the first in her family to finish high school.
On August 26, 1942, she married John Benuska. He preceded her in death on July 31, 1968, and Helen served tirelessly as a caregiver for her ailing husband while he was battling cancer.
Helen worked at Jockey following high school, ironing and pressing garments. She eventually attended the Kenosha School for Practical Nurses, graduating February 27, 1955. Not only was Helen an Honor Roll student, but following the Presentation of Diplomas portion of the program, she gave the Student Response speech. Helen subsequently served as president of the Kenosha Trained Practical Nurses Alumnae association and was employed at St. Catherine’s Hospital in pediatrics
In the 1970s, she began taking evening classes at Gateway Technical Institute, graduating May 16, 1974 as a Registered Nurse. She later worked at Woodstock Health and Rehab. Helen enjoyed working with children, particularly her own, and she finally retired around 1992, in part so she could watch her great-grandchildren full time.
She enjoyed growing flowers, and trips with the family during the summer, as well as occasional larger family gatherings back on the farm, and Christmas get-togethers with homemade, traditional Slovak food. She had an excellent reputation for her cooking skills, including Slovak baked goods such as kolach and kolachky.
Helen was a life-long member of St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church. She belonged to the Rosary Society and participated in various events including summer festivals, bake sales, pasta fundraisers, and the chili cookoff. She also was a member of the Wisconsin Slovak Historical Society, the Slovak Catholic Sokol, and the First Catholic Slovak Ladies Association.
Helen is survived by her daughter Janet Luzar (Kenosha); brother Jacob Gombar (Kenosha); five grand-children: Bridey Fastabend, Don Luzar, Glenn Luzar, Mark Luzar and Shaun Whiteside; nine great-children: Rachel Brennan, Eva Fastabend, Teresa Fastabend, Aaron Lichtwalt, Katelynn Luzar, Kayla Luzar, Landon Luzar, Airlea Tidwell and Daniel Whiteside; and seven great-great-grand-children: Eli Brennan, Owen Brennan, Zoe Brennan, Anthony Jefferson, Taylor Jefferson, Alena Tidwell and Luminera Whiteside, as well as many beloved nieces, nephews and other family members and friends.
In addition to her parents and husband, Helen was preceded in death by a daughter, Helen; siblings Anna Kalnicky, Mary Gombar, John Gombar, Margaret Desris, Rose Norris and Josephine Gombar; brothers-in-law Sam Kalnicky, John Desris and Stan Norris; sisters-in-law Louise Gombar and Virginia Gombar, and a half-brother Andy Gombar.
Funeral services will be held at St. Anthony’s Church (2223 – 51st St. Kenosha) on Tuesday December 21st. Visitation will begin at 10am, with a rosary at Noon, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 12:30pm. Interment will follow at St. George Cemetery, Kenosha.
In lieu of flowers, masses would be appreciated by the family. Donations may be sent in Helen’s memory to The Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, or All Saints Catholic School tuition fund.
