Helena Holma Kasky
Helena Holma Kasky, 96, of Polson, MT passed away on Friday, April 9, 2010 at the Polson Health and Rehabilitation Center where she had been a resident.
Helena was born on July 19, 1913 on the family farm in North Ironwood, MI, the daughter of Finnish immigrants, Edward and Susanna Rajamaki Lake. Helena was one of nine children and was very proud of her Finnish heritage. Her daily chore on the farm was to milk the cows. Often her family would visit Lake Superior where Helena developed her passion for fishing.
After her brothers moved to Washington State, Helena and her husband John Holma followed suit and later settled in Montana where she obtained her first fishing license and fish she did. She enjoyed fishing in Georgetown Lake and taught her grandchildren how to fish. They also grew to love the sport and still do. Helena and John operated the Crackerville Tavern for many years near Anaconda. She also worked for a number of years in Civil Service during WWII, as a tree planter in the Deborgia area, and as a Nurse’s Aid in Warm Springs.
John died in 1966 and Helena later remarried Larry Kasky in 1969. Larry passed away in the 1980’s and Helena later moved to Polson, MT from Opportunity, MT to be near her daughter, Penny.
Besides her parents and husbands, Helena is preceded in death by two sisters, Helmi Nylund and Helen Waltonen; and three brothers, Eino, Eugene, and Edwin Lake.
She is survived by her loving daughter, Penny (Gene) Streitz of Polson, MT; three sisters, Judy Krankkala, Hilda Polso and Faye Shawbitz; three grandchildren, Richard, Rae, and Clint; seven great-grandchildren and one great-great grandchild.
A memorial service will be held on Friday, April 16, 2010, 11:00 AM at Grogan Funeral Home and Crematory, 101 Sixth Ave. E., Polson. A reception will be held at the funeral home immediately following the services. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that donations be made in Helena’s memory to the Mission Valley Animal Shelter, 29 North Reservoir Rd., Polson, MT 59860. Messages of condolence may be sent to the family online at www.groganfuneralhome.com. The staff of Grogan Funeral Home and Crematory, Polson, considers it a privilege to care for Mrs. Kasky’s family.
So sorry for the lost of your mother and Grandmother. She was a very sweet lady to have known. May she rest in peace. She will dearly be missed.
Dear Penney & Gene, I wish to send you my deepest sympathy on the loss of your Mother Helen. I am Lawrence (Coke) Kasky’s niece. I was an RN at Montana State Hospital and also worked with your Mother many years ago. I had lost contact with her after his death and frequently we would mention her and wonder where she had moved to. On Memorial Day my daughter Karen and I always decorate the graves of the family which of course includes my Uncle. Family ties do drift apart as the older ones are no longer with us. It was an eye opener to look at Helen’s age and then to figure out how old Uncle Coke waould be. No matter when ones Mother dies the sadness is so very deep. Wishing you well at this time. Sincerely Bev Murray. Butte, MT.
What a full and wonderful life she had! You should be proud of you mother for making it to such a ripe old age and not giving up.
Always remember her wisdom.
Penny, Gene & family
Sorry to hear of Helena’s passing-so enjoyed caring for her when I worked at PH & Rehab. She was a sweetheart & one of my favorite people there. Loved her personality & her accent. She was very fortunate to have your dedication to her care & visiting her so often.
Penny and family my heart goes out to all of you ! I loved Helena and my mother, Dorothy, and her were great friends, they went fishing all the time. My dad Andy Anderson loved Helena and missed her up until his death in 1996, I know she thought alot of him too as well as the rest of our family. She was important to all of us and we included her in all our family gatherings when she lived in Opportunity. I often thought of her and wondered if she was still alive but did not know how to contact her, I am very sad that I missed the chance. Her picture with my dad and me still hangs on my family picture wall in my home and her warmth and love toward my family will never be forgotten! Love, Mary Jane
Gram, you will be forever missed and my vivid memories of you will never fade. You taught me so much more than to fish; you gave me countless life long lessons during the many summers we spent together in Opportunity. Occasionally, I find myself humming under breath and am instantly reminded of your gentle nature as you hummed a tune while diligently working on the task at hand. I treasure the memories of us ice fishing on Georgetown Lake and time spent relaxing at the cabin….so many memories Gram, including the spirited chase through every room of your house, coupled with my feeble attempt at escape which found me tucked behind the living room door, only to let out the slightest snicker just before you wholeheartedly clobbered me with that wooden spoon! Gram, I will love you forever and am so blessed to have you in my life. Love, Clint
Sorry to hear of Helena’s passing. I have wonderful memories of Helena growing up in Opportunity as neighbors.
I’d like to offer my condolence’s to Helena’s family. I’m Larry’s (Coke’s) daughter. I didn’t know Helena well, but she was always wonderful to me. Take Care, your in my thoughts.
I am sorry to learn about the death of Helena Holma Kasky. This must have been a difficult time for all. Therefore, I am forwarding scripture to bring solace. Please, read the following scriptures: Psalm 90:10, Genesis 5:3-32 and Hebrews 9:27.
Helena will be missed. I recall fishing with her and my grandma Dorothy many times. She was a good person with stories to tell.
I miss her so much and loving taking care of her. She was such a joy and a great lady. I will never ever forget her. I remember giving her a gift and she just loved it so much. Love always Helena Kasky <3