Helen Slovek

Helen Slovek, age 89, of Philip, S.D., died Wednesday, Jan. 18, 2017, at the Philip Nursing Home.

 

Helen Harnisch was born Aug. 6, 1927, in Clayton, S.D., to William and Emma (Werning) Harnisch.

 

At the age of one and a half years, the family moved to western South Dakota, six miles north of Wall. Helen was baptized and confirmed in the Christian faith. She attended grade school at Lake Hill School and graduated from Wall High School in 1945. 

 

Helen attended summer school after graduation and started teaching school four months later in September of 1945.

 

On Sept. 26, 1953, Helen was united in marriage to Earl Charles Slovek. The double wedding ceremony was held in Wall, along with her sister, Margaret Harnisch and John Buckles. 

 

They made their home on the ranch all their married life. Helen taught school for 32 years. Helen retired from teaching in 1969, and from 1969 until 2004, Helen and Earl worked together farming and ranching. In 2004, they sold their cattle and began leasing their land to their son, Bill, but continued to live on the ranch until Earl died in 2008. 

 

In 2009, Helen moved to Wall and resided there until moving into the Philip Nursing Home in 2012. 

 

Grateful for having shared her life is son, Bill Slovek and his wife, Pennie, of Philip; three grandchildren, Belinda Mitchell and her husband, Brandon, of Kadoka, Brock Slovek (girlfriend Ashley Thieman) and Bo Slovek of Philip; two great-grandchildren, Bryler and Blane Mitchell; three sisters, Wilma Harnisch and Mildred Harnisch, both of Wall, and Esther (Elry) Hoefs of Rapid City; and a host of other relatives and friends. 

Helen was preceded in death by her parents; three sisters, Mathilda Campell, Alice Clair and Margaret Buckles; and two brothers, Lenard and Melvin Harisch.

 

In lieu of flowers a memorial is established to the Philip Nursing Home.

 

Services were held Saturday, Jan. 21, 2017, at the United Church in Philip with Pastor Kathy Chesney officiating.

 

Interment was at the Masonic Cemetery in Philip.

 

Arrangements were with Rush Funeral Home of Philip.