Helen Kuzelka, age 90, of New Prague, died peacefully Wednesday, August 5, 2015, at Mala Strana Health Care Center. Helen was born April 10, 1925, in New Prague to Edward J. and Jennie (Proshek) Vanasek. She grew up in her parents’ hardware store, the family business, graduating from New Prague High School in 1942. She went on to attend the Swedish Hospital School of Nursing in Minneapolis with the intention of being an Army Nurse. However, WWII ended just as she was completing her degree so she returned to New Prague to work at New Prague Community Hospital (Harvey Manor) and then Queen of Peace Hospital, retiring at age 67. She spent a life of service as an RN being on-call for hospital emergencies. Helen married Francis J. Kuzelka on February 14, 1953 at St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church in New Prague.
Helen was a woman of varied interests. She was a member of the same bridge club for 40 years, was actively involved with Girl Scouts while her daughters were growing up, and was involved with Jr. Great Books. Helen was not only a member of the New Prague Historical Society, but was known as a great resource for local history. Sports also caught her interest, especially the Twins and Packers (unless the Packers played the Vikings and then her loyalty shifted!) Helen was a lifelong learner and an avid reader. Her granddaughter, Kate, captured her spirit eloquently: “Grandma had a wildly vibrant mental life. She was a voracious reader, her interests were boundless, and she could converse about anything with anyone.”
Helen is survived by her children, Joanne Kuzelka of Minneapolis, Wayne (& Barbarajo) Kuzelka of Carver, Karen (& Chas) Meyer of Eagan, Mary (& Joe) Widmer of New Prague; 6 grandchildren; 3 great-grandchildren. She is preceded in death by her husband, Francis on November 3, 2011; grandson, Jay Schafer on February 26, 2009; parents; brothers, Robert, Richard J., and Donald Vanasek.
Memorial Service will be held Monday, August 10, 2015, at 11:00 AM at Bruzek Funeral Home with Mary Higgins from St. Wenceslaus officiating. Visitation will take place 2 hours prior to service, starting at 9:00 AM. Burial will occur at St. Wenceslaus Cemetery. Lunch will be served at the Legion Clubroom.
