07/30/2003

Helen Berniece Schackel Ondracek, age 90, passed away on July 23, 2003, at the Knute Nelson Memorial Home in Alexandria, Minnesota, after suffering numerous strokes over the past several years.

Helen was born to William H. and Emma H. (Miller) Schackel on February 15, 1913, in Carlos Township, Douglas County. She married Frank Ondracek on October 6, 1938. They farmed near her birthplace and raised their three children there: Leonard (Pat) Ondracek of Crystal; Caroline (James) Holden of Northfield; and Jane Feeks of Alexandria.

After Frank’s death in 1964 she worked at the Alexandria Laundry for several years. In 1965 she left the farm to live in Carlos where she continued to grow beautiful flowers and kept a large garden. She was especially fond of little children, in particular her grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and grand nieces and nephews and she always made cookies for them. Helen also enjoyed her volunteer work at Trinity Lutheran Church and appreciated the support and concern the congregation and friends showed her.

She was preceded in death by her husband: Frank; parents: Emma and William Schackel; and her grandson: Philip Holden. She is survived by her brother: Louie W. Schackel of Carlos; her son: Leonard; daughters: Caroline and Jane; grandchildren: Mark, Bonnie, and Kevin Ondracek, Christopher Holden, Heather Larson, James Feeks, Jr., and Randy and Jody Feeks; 10 great-grandchildren; and one great-great-granddaughter.

A funeral service was held at Trinity Lutheran Church in Carlos on July 26, 2003. Reverend Curtis Matz and Reverend Bob Petersen officiated. Music was provided by Joan Petersen.

Interment was in the Carlos Prairie Cemetery. Pallbearers were Mark Ondracek, Kevin Ondracek, Christopher Holden, James Feeks, Jr., David Schackel and Andrew Schackel. Honorary pallbearers were Bonnie Ondracek, Heather Larson, Randy Feeks and Jody Feeks.