Helen E Elenz

Helen A. Elenz, 85 of Gaylord, died at home surrounded by her family on Saturday, October 4, 2014.

Born in Cleveland, OH on July 7, 1929, Helen was the daughter of Michael and Mary Koleszar. She was a 1947 graduate of Brecksville High School, Brecksville, OH.

On February 18, 1950, Helen married Merlin A. Elenz in Cleveland, OH. In 1971 they moved to Gaylord from Broadview Heights, OH.

Helen worked as a school secretary, first in Ohio and then at Gaylord Middle School. She retired in 1988. A devoted wife and mother, Helen enjoyed spending time with her family. She always enjoyed cooking and will be remembered for her cookies and nut rolls. She also enjoyed quilting, crocheting, gardening and traveling in their fifth wheel. Helen was a member of St. Mary Cathedral Parish.

She is survived by Merlin, her husband of 64 years; a daughter, Frances (Dean) Lucas and sons, Edward (Joan) Elenz and Jonathan (Carla) Elenz all of Gaylord; grandchildren, Mark (Alyssa) Farver, Elisabeth (Garret) Kaltenbach, Jon (Cindy) Lucas, Harmony (Grant) Hughes, Kathleen Lucas, Michael (Carolyn) Elenz, Timothy Elenz, David (Ashley) Elenz, Jodie (Niklaus) Pleisch and Todd Elenz; great grandchildren, Maxwell Farver, Abigail and Caroline Kaltenbach, Caitlyn and Mackenzie Elenz, Taylor Elenz and Christian Pleisch. She was preceded in death by a sister, Mary Demko and a grandson, James Lucas.

Her family will visit with friends from 6:00-8:00 PM on Monday, October 6, 2014 at Gaylord Community Funeral Home & Cremation Service, 850 North Center Avenue. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 AM on Tuesday, October 7, 2014 at St. Mary Cathedral, 606 North Ohio St. Visitation at the church will begin at 10:00 AM. Interment will follow at Fairview Cemetery.

Those who wish are asked to consider memorial contributions to Hospice of Michigan.