Helen Marie Zeman, 91, of New Prague, passed away peacefully, December 26, 2013 at Mala Strana Health Care Center in New Prague. She was born to the late Frank & Mary Pexa, May 18, 1922, in Cedar Lake Township. Helen married Emanuel Zeman in 1942 and they raised their family on a farm in Cedar Lake Township. Upon retiring in 1983, Helen and Emanuel moved to McGregor, Minnesota, to enjoy the beautiful North Country. After Emanuel passed away, Helen married George Kaderlik in 1991. They enjoyed their golden years in McGregor entertaining many family and friends at their home. AFter George passed away in 2008, Helen relocated to New Prague and was a resident of Philips Square and later Mala Strana Assisted Living and Nursing Home.
Helen was a loving and energetic mother and grandmother. She will be remembered as embracing life and living it to the fullest. There were many times she comforted family and friends with her words of wisdom. She had a strong work ethic that was admired by her children and grandchildren. Helen loved the outdoors and snowmobiling. She raised money for local charities on fundraiser rides and held the distinction as the top fundraiser for MS on one of those years. She was snowmobiling through her late seventies. She was an active member of St. Catherine’s Catholic Church in St. Catherine, Minnesota and in Holy Family Catholic Church in McGregor. Helen was able to start a conversation with anyone. Her outgoing personality and cooking won the hearts of many.
Helen is preceded in death by her two spouses and daughter, Patricia O’Connell; brothers, Emil, Robert, & Frank Pexa; sister, Angela Sirek. She is survived by her son, Roger (& Colleen) Zeman of Albert Lea; daughter Therese Zeman (& Mike Walsh) of Ponte Vedra Beach, FL; son-in-law, Tim O’Connell of Nisswa; grandchildren, Shannon Hoese (& Ted Charette), Brigid (& Tony) Renken, LaChelle Sandon (& Rob Decker), Lisa Zeman (& John Berg), Michael (& Sara) Zeman, Chris (& Stacie) Zeman; great-grandchildren, Lauren, Logan, Brady, Bailey, Grant, Luke, Reid, Chase, & Cade; sister-in-law, Clara Pexa of New Prague; and many relatives and dear friends.
Memorial Mass of Christian Burial will take place Friday, January 3, 2014 at 11:00 AM at Bruzek Funeral Home with Father Kevin Clinton officiating. Visitation will occur 2 hours prior to mass from 9 – 11 AM. Interment will occur at Ft. Snelling National Cemetery in Minneapolis. Lunch will follow mass at the Legion Clubroom in New Prague.
