Helen Plachta Obituary

Plachta, Helen M. 86, of South Haven, Michigan, died Sunday, July 10, 2005, at South Haven Community Hospital. Helen was born August 22, 1918 in Chicago, Illinois to Mary and Michael Witrykus. Helen married Ben Plachta on May 29, 1937 at St. John of God Catholic Church in Chicago. She and her husband owned and operated a grocery store and restaurant in Chicago for 28 years before moving to South Haven in 1957. Helen was an active member of St. Basil Catholic Church in South Haven. She was a member of the St. Basil Alter Rosary Society. Helen was recognized as the Woman of the Year in 1968. While in South Haven she worked at the Michigan Fruit Canners and MacKenzie's Bakery. Her family and church were the center of her life. She loved to can, cook, bake and crochet. Helen and her husband Ben were deeply devoted to the Blessed Mother and said the rosary daily after mass each day at St. Basil. Helen is preceded in death by her parents and a brother - Matthew Witrykus, a grandmother - Agnes Obirek and her daughter-in-law, Pat Plachta. Helen is survived by her husband - Ben Plachta of South Haven. One son - Ben "Bruno" Plachta of South Haven. Three daughters - Helene (Edward) Szostak of Bolingbrook, Illinois, Kathleen (Robert) Valkner of Battle Creek, Michigan and Mary Anne (Philip) Leman of Bremen, Indiana. 19 grand children 30 great grand children One brother - Ted (Mary) Witrykus of San Jose, California, seven sister-in-laws and one brother-in-law and many nieces and nephews also survive. Visitation will be Thursday, July 14, from 2 to 4 p.m. and 5 to 8 p.m. at the Filbrandt Family Funeral Home. The Rosary will be prayed at 7:30 p.m. during the visitation. Mass of Christian Burial will be Friday, July 15th, at 11 a.m., at St. Basil Catholic Church in South Haven. Burial will be in Lakeview Cemetery, South Haven. Memorial contributions can be made to the St. Basil Building Fund in memory of Helen M. Plachta or the Helen M. Plachta Memorial Fund. Friends wishing to sign the register online or leave a message for the family can do so at www.FilbrandtFFH.com The family is being helped by the Filbrandt Family Funeral Home of South Haven.