Helen Petraska

Helen Petraska 100, of Homestead, passed away peacefully at Florence Health Services where she has been a resident for the past 10 1/2 years. Helen was born in Cleveland, Ohio on August 27, 1917, daughter of the late William and Hulda (Meiet) Strei. She was raised in Oconto Falls, WI and graduated from Oconto Falls High School. Following high school Helen attended college and received her teaching certification. She married Victor Brandemuhl on October 1, 1938. Together they raised four children. Helen worked as a school teacher in Fence, WI and a substitute teacher for the Florence School District. She and Victor owned and operated a service station in Homestead for thirty six years. After forty six years of marriage, Victor preceded her in death on February 18, 1985. Helen married Everett Petraska on September 20, 1986. Everett preceded her in death in 1994. Helen was a member of Homestead Baptist Church. She enjoyed picking every type of wild berry and feeding all of natures creatures. She especially enjoyed taking care of her beautiful flower gardens. She is survived by and lovingly missed by, two sons, Dennis (Linda) Brandemuhl of Neshkoro, WI and Gary (Judy) Brandemuhl of Green Bay, WI; her daughter, JoAnn (Fred) Werner of Oshkosh, WI; sister in law, Gloria Strei of Milwaukee, WI; daughter in law, Tomoko Brandemuhl of Stratford, CT; eight grandchildren, Craig (Katie) Brandemuhl, Kyle (Kerstin) Brandemuhl, Alissa (Clay) Zengel, Brett (Liz) Brandemuhl, Douglas Werner, Daniel (Tiffany) Werner, Dr. Darren (Ali) Werner and Konrad Brandemuhl; twelve great grandchildren and many nieces, nephews and friends. In addition to her parents and husbands, Helen was preceded in death by her son William Brandemuhl; her sister and brother in law, Bertha and Stanley Staffeld; brother, William Strei and daughter in law, Carol Brandemuhl. Private family funeral services are being held. Burial will be in the Homestead-Aurora Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in her memory to Homestead Baptist Church. Helen's family would like to thank the staff at Florence Health Services for the wonderful, loving care they extended to Helen during her 10 1/2 years there. Condolences to the family of Helen Petraska may be expressed online at www.ernashfuneralhomes.com The family has entrusted the Erickson-Rochon & Nash Funeral Home of Iron Mountain with the funeral arrangements.

Helen Petraska

August 27, 1917 - November 26, 2017