Helen Leck

Helen Lenora Lee was born October 3, 1919 at the home of her parents, Edward A. Lee and Laura E. (Dewey) Lee, in Mason City Nebraska. She married Ivan W. Leck January 16, 1942 in North Platte Nebraska.

She is survived by her son Michael Leck of El Dorado Kansas, grandchildren Ivan Leck (Jennifer) of Aurora, Colorado, Tiffany Leck-Clinkscales (J C) of Lakebay Washington, Sean (Tristan) Leck of Hillsboro, Washington. Also survived by great-grandchildren Alexia, Luke, Chandler (Colorado), Emma and Megan (Washington).

Helen was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Ivan, children Edward and Sherryl, brother Dewey (Erma) Lee, sisters Leila (James) Wolfe and Vivian (Al) Nielsen

Born on a farm, traveling to school riding double on horseback, Helen became a wartime bride, following Ivan to Fort Lewis Washington where she maintained a small apartment, working at the drugstore lunch counter downstairs, occasionally entertaining other soldiers and their wives. When Ivan shipped out Helen returned to her parents’ home and assumed roles left empty by her brother’s wartime service. In addition to barnyard feeding and milking duties, she helped sow and harvest crops and learned to help her father as he created watershed dams to improve the farm. She also worked for Western Electric as the wartime production increase required additional support.

When Ivan was released from the army, they began farming North of Ansley and later Northeast of Berwyn. When that second home burned and they moved to Broken Bow, her life included school cafeteria duties so she was available as Mike, Eddie and Sherry had need of her care.

Moving to Aurora, Colorado in 1957 she worked briefly at Daniels and Fisher, then for the City and County of Denver until retirement.

She was always a member of and involved with her church family, at Ansley Baptist Church, Broken Bow Baptist Church and Aurora Community Baptist Church. After retirement, in addition to traveling (as far as Australia once) she volunteered with the Aurora Medical Center Pink Ladies.

Helen had a sense of humor, her knew how to laugh about herself and with others. With that sense of humor in mind, her son’s final thank you comes from a song written by and performed by David and Homer Bellamy, from their album “Coming to Jesus”, the initial lines

You see I was drug to Church on Sunday morning

I was drug to family reunions

I was drug to Grandpa's farm to work every summer

And I was drugged to weddings and to funerals

I was drug out the door to go to school (everyday)

I was drug by my ears when I was bad

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.olingerhampdenmortuary.com for the LECK family.