Helen (Dzwoniarski) Czekalski

 Helen Czekalski, Age 100, passed away on Thursday, Jan. 8, 2026.  She was born on Dec. 8, 1925 to Thomas and Mary Dzwoniarski, in Poland.  Helen married Ignatius Czekalski in Germany, on March 4, 1946.  She lived in Kaukauna, WI for the majority of her life since she immigrated from Germany in 1950.  Helen was a Holocaust Survivor and had many stories of survival. 

Helen was a homemaker, raising her four children.  She also worked at Hilltop Bakery seasonally, assisting with the production and packing of the Gingerbread Houses.  She enjoyed making rosaries for over 50 years and these were distributed to the missions worldwide.  She made sure that each rosary was flawless and made with love and perfection.  Helen also enjoyed cooking her specialty Polish dishes and baking her delicious and famous cream puffs.  She loved to play badminton with her family and grandchildren.  Helen was also a champion bowler, winning many trophies throughout her life.  One of her MOST favorite things to do was playing BINGO. In addition to this, she truly enjoyed playing Yahtzee, cards, gardening/canning, shopping at thrift stores, dancing and especially helping others as much as she could.

Throughout her long life, Helen was truly devoted to her faith and was an active member of both St. Mary's and Holy Cross Catholic Church.  She was a member of the Altar Society, and she helped prepare countless church lunches and made popcorn balls.  Helen attended mass regularly until she couldn't anymore, but continued her daily prayers and watched EWTN masses until her last day. 

Helen was preceded in death by her parents, Thomas and Mary Dzwoniarski; her husband, Ignatius Czekalski; 3 brothers: Ted, John and Marty Dzwoniarski; a sister, Stella Szozda;  two brother in laws: Joseph Szozda and Joe Nachman and one sister in law: Theresa Dzwoniarski.

Helen is survived by her sister, Cathy Nachman, Stevens Point Wi; her four children: Barb Gaffney of Little Chute, WI; Mary Reyff of Fairfield, CA; John Czekalski of Wellington, FL and Nancy Kabboush of Wellington, FL. 

Helen has 5 grandchildren: Jenny Gabbard, John Gaffney, Jim Burrows, April Lico and Lindsay Hunter.  She is also survived by 11 great grandchildren and 2 great-great grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.  

The Funeral Mass for Helen will be held on Monday, January 19, 2026 at 11:00 AM at St. Katharine Drexel/St. Mary's Church, 119 W. 7th St. Kaukauna.  A time of visitation will be held on Monday, Jan. 19th from 9:00 AM until the time of the mass at church at 11:00 AM.  For online condolences please visit www.verkuilenfh.com/obituary/Helen-Czekalski