Helen V. Mientke

Helen V. Mientke, 97, Wausau died Saturday, October 7, 2017 at Aspirus Wausau Hospital. She was born December 11, 1919 in Bevent, daughter of the late John and Veronica (Kedrowicz) Landowski. On September 7, 1940 she married Benjamin Mientke in Wakon, Iowa. He preceded her in death in 2001. Helen and her sister Frances worked at a military plant in Illinois from 1943 until 1945. After that she moved back home to Bevent and worked various jobs, retiring from the former Wilson Hurd. Helen and Ben enjoyed spending as much time as they could up north at their cottage. Together they went fishing, took many pontoon rides and enjoyed an occasional trip to the casinos in the area. While back at home Helen enjoyed cooking, baking, caring for her pets, Rocky and Cocco, and feeding and watching the birds. Helen loved being a mother to her only son Gary and was heartbroken when Gary passed away a few years ago. Survivors include many nieces and nephews and a very special friend to her and Gary, Jan. Besides her parents and husband she was preceded in death by four sisters, three brothers, four brothers-in-law and one sister-in-law. The Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11:30 a.m. Wednesday, October 11, 2017 at St. Michael Catholic Church, Wausau. The Rev. James Schaefer will preside. Burial will be Restlawn Memorial Park, Wausau. Friends may call on Wednesday from 9:30 a.m. until the time of services all at the church. Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, 1302 Sixth Street, Wausau is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com