Helen J. Claeys

Helen J. Claeys, 97, of Mishawaka, passed away Sunday evening, April 24, 2016, at Golden Living Center, Mishawaka.

Helen was born March 13, 1919 in Mishawaka, a daughter of the late Florian and Julia Truchowski. On August 20, 1942, she married Henry “Hank” Claeys in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Helen was employed for several years at Miles (Bayer) Laboratories in Elkhart.

In the mid 1950’s, Helen and Hank started their own business known as Claeys Live Bait and Tackle on Mishawaka Avenue in Mishawaka. They operated the business until November of 1973 when they retired and moved to Homestead, Florida. Helen and Hank enjoyed their retirement years in Florida just fishing and dancing. They took ballroom dancing lessons for years and were wonderful dancers. They also welcomed and entertained family and friends who visited them in Florida.

Following the death of her husband, Henry “Hank’ Claeys, in 1991, Helen returned to Mishawaka in 1992 where she lived until her death.

Helen was also preceded in death by her siblings, Moline Komknowski, Bernice Hickey, Lola Miller, Estelle Wagner, Stanley Truho and Frances Ganser; as well as a niece, Linda Constant.

Helen’s surviving family includes nieces and nephews, Sharon Metcalf, Susan Henderson, Sally (John) Fruchey, Terry (Ginny) Henderson, Curtis (Sally) Henderson, Jim (Judy) Truho and Richard (Emily) Miller; great nieces and nephews, David (Leslie) Metcalf, Jamie (Brian) Minniear, Tracy (Joe) Gennicks, Rachael (Andy) Weyers and Billy Constant; great-great nieces and nephews, Logan Henderson, Mason and Haleigh Henderson, Lexie and Nolan Metcalf, Rhys and Josiah Minniear, Corinne and Nathan Gennicks, and Zaina Weyers.

Helen’s last request was cremation and private services with family.

Memorials are suggested to St. Joseph Catholic Church, Mishawaka, or to the charity of the donor’s choice.

Arrangements are under the care of Goethals & Wells Funeral Home and Cremation Care, Mishawaka.