Helen M. DeCeault

HELEN M. DeCEAULT April 23, 1923 – November 13, 2017         Helen Marguerite DeCeault (Kuchuris), a longtime resident of Park Rapids, MN, peacefully entered eternity November 13, 2017 at her home.       Helen was born April 23, 1923 in Chicago, IL to Thomas and Marguerite Kuchuris. While attending grade school in Chicago, Helen attended Greek school in the evenings.  She graduated with honors from Hyde Park High School in 1940.       Helen was united in marriage in the Roman Catholic Church on October 10, 1942 to the “boy next door”, Joseph DeCeault, and was able to celebrate their 72nd wedding anniversary together on October 10, 2014.  Their marriage was blessed with five children: Janet (Ronald Schmutzer) of Park Rapids, Melinda (James) Dawes of Orland Park, IL, Thomas (Mary) DeCeault of Florence, OR, Denise (Keith) Gulbranson of Park Rapids, and David (Cheryl) DeCeault of Stephens City, VA; fifteen grandchildren: Lisa (Doug) Stichert, Jill (Michael) Niedziela, Heidi (Dennis) Massie, Peter (Sara) Schmutzer, Timothy (Jodi) Schmutzer, Danielle Dawes, Damien Dawes, Michael Dawes, Lauran DeCeault, Matthew (Lindsay) DeCeault, Amanda (Bobby) Wilkins, Leah Hodits, Allissa (Charles) Vaniter, Lindsey (Kyle) Dennison, Krista DeCeault; and twelve great grandchildren.       Following graduation Helen was employed with Illinois Bell Telephone as an operator, and remained employed while her husband served in World War II. It was during this time that her mother passed away and Helen became the primary caretaker for her siblings as well as her own young family with her husband.  Soon after, she would become caretaker for her disabled father as well.       Helen had many interests; she most enjoyed needle point, growing her prized roses, gourmet cooking and baking for her entire family and friends, and was well known for her pork dinners and apple pies.  While living in Chicago Helen enjoyed shopping on State Street and Madison Avenue for the latest fashions, as much as digging in the earth to plant vegetable and flower gardens on their retirement property on Little Sand Lake.  Helen cherished hosting her extended family and friends every summer for vacations, reunions, and neighborly visits.  She will be lovingly remembered for her French lullabies, Betty-Boop paper dolls, Thanksgiving feasts, and Christmas cookies, but above all else for her faith and love for Christ, and her love and care extended to family and friends.       Helen was preceded in death by her husband, Joseph DeCeault, daughter, Janet (Ronald Schmutzer), her parents Thomas and Marguerite Kuchuris, three siblings, and many aunts and uncles.       Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 AM, Monday, November 20, 2017 at St. Peter The Apostle Catholic Church in Park Rapids, with Father Thomas Friedl officiating.  Casket Bearers will be Richard Reschke, Robert Reschke, Doug Stichert, Bobby Wilkins, Gannon Wilkins, and Kiergon Wilkins.       Visitation will be held from 5 to 7 PM on Sunday, November 19, 2017 at the Jones-Pearson Funeral Home in Park Rapids.       Interment will be at the Immaculate Conception Lakeside Cemetery in Nevis.         To leave online condolences or to view the video tribute please visit www.jonespearson.com