Mackowiak, Helen

Helen Josephine (Peeters) Mackowiak, Age 78, of Manawa, passed away Wednesday, September 15, 2010, after a lengthy illness at Greentree Health and Rehabilitation Center. Born September 10, 1932, in Deer Creek WI, to daughter of the late Cornelius & Louise (VanDenElzen) Peeters. She was employed at Clintonville Glove Factory until 1955 at which time she married John Mackowiak. Together they raised six children on the family farm east of Manawa, WI. Helen was very involved with 4-H, as a leader of the Wisconsin Workers 4-H club. She worked with the lunch program at Manawa Middle School until 2002. She was a long standing member of both St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Lebanon and the St. Agnes Alter Society. She enjoyed gardening, sewing, bowling and spending time with her children and grandchildren. Helen is survived by a son, David Mackowiak, Manawa; daughters, Donna (Trent) Ellifson, Strum; Linda (Don) Sanderfoot, Appleton; Jo Ann Mackowiak, Manawa; Kris (Peter) Thompson, Manawa; sister, Elizabeth Hansen, Fon du Lac; grandchildren, Benjamin Upward, Tacoma, WA; Timothy Upward, Chippewa Falls, WI; Theresa Stevens, Colorado Springs, CO; Carl Sanderfoot, Appleton; Jessica, Allison & Alex Thompson, Manawa; great-grandchildren, Blakelyn Upward & Anna Stevens. Helen is further survived by in-laws, James Mackowiak, Willis Fritz, Ervin & Rosie Mackowiak, Helen Mae Peeters & Helen Petit, nieces and nephews. Helen was preceded in death by her husband, John; a daughter, Kathleen (Mackowiak) Drath, an infant son, Benjamin, son-in-law, Richard Upward, her parents; brothers, Anthony, Joseph & Martin Peeters; sister, Agnes & brother-in-law, Herb Hooyman, Dorothy Mackowiak, Rose Fritz; brothers-in-law, Ray Petit & James Hanson. The funeral mass for Helen was held on Saturday, September 18th, 2010, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in township of Lebanon; Msgr. Dennis Lally officiating. Burial followed in the parish cemetery. Friends and family called at the church on Saturday, September 18th from 9:00 a.m. until the time of the service.