Helen Florence Suchanek Sevcik, 100

Helen Florence Suchanek Sevcik, 100, of Tama and formerly of Clutier, passed away Monday, April 3, 2023, at Sunny Hill Care Center in Tama under the care of Hospice of the Midwest. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Tuesday, April 11, 2023, at 11:00 AM at St. Patrick Catholic Church in Tama with Visitation held prior to the Mass from 10:00 ? 11:00 AM at the church. Interment at St. Wenceslaus Cemetery in rural Clutier will follow the luncheon at St. Patrick’s Church.

Helen was born on March 1, 1923, at home on a wooded farmstead, south of Tama. She was the second daughter of Ed and Barbara (Prusha) Suchanek.

The family moved to the farm 5 miles south of Tama when she was very young, and she attended rural schools. She graduated from Tama High School in 1940, at the age of 17. Being too young to teach, she spent a year “helping out on the farm.” In 1941, she began her teaching career at local country schools near Tama. Among her students were her younger brothers, Edward and Paul.

She was united in marriage to Milo Anton Sevcik on May 4, 1949, at St. Patrick Catholic Church in Tama. Helen and Mike spent many happy years together on their farm, five miles west of Clutier. In the late 1950’s, she returned to teaching country school and later taught second grade at Clutier Elementary. Among her many students was her youngest daughter, Carol. She retired from teaching after a total of 21 years.

Helen enjoyed spending time with family, playing cards, crafting, and going fishing, especially with her grandsons. She made delicious kolaches, and homemade noodles were a specialty. She was an avid gardener, and delighted in growing vegetables and especially her many flowers.

She was a member of St. Wenceslaus Church, the Altar and Rosary Society, the church sewing circle and the Clutier American Legion Auxiliary.

In later years, she and Mike enjoyed traveling throughout the United States and Europe. Following Mike’s stroke in 1996, she cared for him faithfully, until his passing in 2001. They were married 52 years.

Those left to honor her memory are three daughters: Connie (Bill) Kaldenberg, of Newton, Cathy Rush, of Marshalltown, and Carol (Wayne) Hornung, of Cedar Falls; grandchildren: Gretchen (LeVohn) Spraggs and their children, Trent and Lauren; Tiffany (Adam) Langholdt and Madalyn Kay; Aric (Tiffany) Rush and their children, Jonah, Max and Chloe; Kimberly (Corey) Roberts and their children, Nick, Katy and Kylee; Jason and Matt Seaton, Kristin Hornung and great granddaughter, Klara Hornung; her brother, Paul A. (Verona) Suchanek; cousin, Doris Valenta and many nieces and nephews.

Preceding her in death were her parents; her husband, Milo on July 31, 2001; sister, Viola Stanek; brother, Edward Suchanek; her granddaughter Amy Canade; and her grandson, Grant Hornung.

The family is deeply grateful to the nurses and staff at Sunny Hill Care Center for their loving care of Mom in recent years, and to Hospice of the Midwest for their care and support.

Memorials may be directed to the American Heart Association or Hospice of the Midwest.

Kruse-Phillips Funeral Home, Tama-Toledo, is assisting the family with arrangements.