HELEN M. KLEMPIN
On October 24, 2016, Helen Klempin received an offer she couldn't refuse – a one-way ticket to heaven that guarantees unlimited time in her flower garden and where music/laughter/love are guaranteed. This one-way ticket has an added bonus – a reunion with old friends and loved ones. The food is delicious and French onion soup is served daily. Plus – unlimited songs by Dean Martin and the Bee Gees and unlimited viewing of I Love Lucy and American Pickers.
Helen had many talents including oil painting, sewing, crocheting, knitting, and designing Halloween costumes. She was an outstanding cook and baker.
She graduated from Johnston City H.S. in 1949 and later that year moved to Chicago. She met her husband Mike there and they were married Sept. 26, 1953, in St. Paul Catholic Church in Johnston City. They had a comfortable life of 55 years together. From this union, they were blessed with three children.
She lived in the Chicago area from 1949 until 1994 when she and her husband retired to West Frankfort.
Helen loved to travel and try new restaurants. She was preceded in death by husband Mike (2010) a 40 year career railroad conductor in Chicago; father Thomas Benzek (1974), mother Angelina (Kruzic) (1981), Brothers Louis (1989) and Stanley (2002)
Helen is survived by sons Michael, Thomas (Rita) and daughter Janet McGann. Grandsons Tom Jr. (Alesha), Michael (Lea) and Patrick. Step Grandchildren Nathan (Erin), Natalie (Mike), and Nick (Nicole), and many step great-grandchildren.
She is also survived by twin sister Agnes Benzek and sister Barbara Ann Benzek. Nephews Matthew Benzek (Denise), Stephen Benzek, and niece Diane Benzek.
Helen was born in Johnston City, on April 12, 1932. She was a devout Catholic and member of St. Paul's Catholic Church, a member of Council of Catholic Women, and a member of Croatian Fraternal Union Lodge 50.
A memorial mass will be held at St. Paul's in Johnston City at 11 a.m. Saturday 1/14/17, Msgr Ken Schaefer officiating, with a reception afterwards at the parish center. Visitation will be from 10-11 A.M. Saturday at the church.
Murman & Wilson Funeral Home in Johnston City is in charge of arrangements.