Helma Kruk – Obituary
Helma Kruk, 73, passed away on Saturday, 23 May 2015, at Geisinger Medical Center in Danville, PA. She was born the third of six children in Kalisch, Poland, to the late Peter and Wilhelmina Engel on 15 May 1942. She grew up in Breitenbach, Germany, where she later met her future husband, John B. Kruk. John was in the U.S. Army and stationed at the nearby Bambergerhof radio station. John and Helma were married in Germany on 22 May 1965, and Helma soon moved to the United States to begin a new life with her husband.
Helma and John made their home in Lock Haven, PA, and had two daughters, Karina and Jennifer. Helma dedicated her life to raising her children and taking care of her family. She was a member of St. Agnes Catholic Church, where she was a Eucharistic Minister, devoted member of the choir, and served as treasurer of the Altar Rosary Society. She was also actively involved in the Christian Women’s Club.
Helma loved to cook and took pride in providing her family with three home-cooked meals everyday. She enjoyed gardening and tending to the flowers that thrived in and around her home. She always jumped at the opportunity to care for and spend time with her grandchildren, who loved playing with their beloved ‘Oma’.
Helma is survived by her husband of 50 years, John B. Kruk. She is also survived by two brothers, Herbert Engel and Dieter Engel, and three sisters, Gertrud Engel, Hildegard Hassel, and Renate Molter, all of Germany; two daughters, Jennifer Kruk of Fort Belvoir, VA, and Karina Gates of Orangeville, PA; and three grandchildren, Kelsey, Kyle, and Jocelyn Gates, also of Orangeville.
The family would like to express their overwhelming gratitude to all the friends and family who provided prayers and loving support.
Public viewing will be available from 6:00-8:00 PM on Wednesday, 27 May 2015, at Donald G. Walker Funeral Home (231 High St, Lock Haven, PA). Funeral service and Mass of the Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 AM on Thursday, 28 May 2015, at St. Agnes Catholic Church (3 East Walnut St, Lock Haven, PA).
Memorial contributions in Helma’s name may be donated to the St. Agnes Catholic Church Choir, St. Agnes Altar Rosary Society, or the Breast Cancer Research Foundation.
Online condolences may be sent by visiting www.donaldwalkerfuneralhome.com
