Obituary: Helen Slovek

Funeral Services

Funeral services will take place on Saturday, January 21, 2017 at 1:00 PM (Mountain).

United Church
Philip, South Dakota

Visitation

A visitation will be held from 5-7 p.m. on Friday, January 20, 2017 at the Rush Funeral Home in Philip.

Print Obituary

In memory of

Helen Slovek

of Philip, South Dakota, died on Wednesday, January 18, 2017 at the Philip Nursing Home at the age of 89

Helen Harnisch was born August 6, 1927, in Clayton, South Dakota, to William and Emma (Werning) Harnisch.

At the age of 1 and ½ 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 September 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 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 Harnisch and Melvin Harisch.

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

A visitation will be held from 5-7 p.m. on Friday, January 20, 2017 at the Rush Funeral Home in Philip.

Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, January 21, 2017, at the United Church in Philip with Pastor Kathy Chesney officiating.

Interment will be at the Masonic Cemetery in Philip.

VISITATION
Friday, January 20, 2017 - 5-7 p.m.
Rush Funeral Home
Philip, South Dakota

FUNERAL SERVICES
Saturday, January 21, 2017 - 1:00 p.m.
United Church
Philip, South Dakota
CLERGY
Pastor Kathy Chesney
MUSIC
Cynthia Finn - Pianist
Elvera Moos (Helen’s Cousin) - Vocalist
“How Great Thou Art”
“On Eagle’s Wings”
USHERS
Keith Slovek - Glenn O’ Connell
PALLBEARERS
Dwight Slovek - Erik Harnisch
William Harnisch - Rock Hughes
Marvin Coleman - Ray Clements, Jr.
HONORARY PALLBEARERS
All Relatives and Friends in Attendance
INTERMENT
Masonic Cemetery
Philip, South Dakota

Sign the guestbook

Our sympathy to the family. We enjoyed both Earl and Helen over the years and when the bus to Deadwood was going it was almost certain Helen would be there. May her many memories bring a smile to all. ~ Bill and Marsha Sumpter Kadoka (1/22/2017)
So sorry to hear about your Mother. Our deepest sympathy. ~ Ralph & Cathy Fiedler 2130 Ellen St. Sturgis,S.D. (1/22/2017)
Bill, Pennie and family, your mom always had a smile as I walked in the nursing home over the last years. Even when she wasn't responding much, she smiled when I gave her hand a hug. She was a lovely and caring mother. My thoughts and sympathy to all. ~ Kay Foland Rapid City (1/22/2017)
Bill, Pennie, and family, we are so sorry for the loss of your beautiful Mother and Grandmother Helen. May the Lord keep her in his presence and Bless you and your family with thoughts and prayers for comfort. ~ Janis & Mike West Colusa, CA (1/20/2017)
Sorry to hear of your mother's passing Bill! Prayers for you and your family!! ~ Joe Millage Philip, S.D. (1/20/2017)
Bill, Pennie, and family, we are saddened to hear of Helen's passing. Helen was such a sweet lady. Our sincere sympathy to all of you. ~ Jolene and Don Haynes Philip, SD (1/20/2017)
Sorry for your loss. Remember the good times and always keep them in your heart. Bet she found a pitch players for herself. ~ Jim and Vonnie O'Dea Howes, SD (1/20/2017)
Sympathy to the Slovek families. May the love of family and friends help comfort you in the days ahead. ~ Dave & Karen Webb Rapid City, SD (1/19/2017)
So sorry for your loss. It's always hard to lose a Mom, even when we know it's time for them to go. I know she appreciated all you did for her. You will all continue to be in our thoughts and prayers. God Bless you all. Kieth & Deb ~ Deb Smith (1/19/2017)