Helen Catherine (Kobza) Duffek was born April 12, 1930, in Brainard, to Emil and Elizabeth (Duhon) Kobza and passed away Aug. 15, 2023, in Lincoln, at the age of 93 years, 4 months and 3 days.
Helen grew up around the Brainard area and attended Brainard country school. After high school, she worked at the local telephone company and many other local businesses throughout the years. On April 17, 1951, she was united in marriage to Richard J. Duffek, and to this union, five children were born. The couple then ran a dairy farm and raised chickens for numerous years. In 2008, the couple moved from their farm to Bee, where they resided for many years. Helen was a member of the St. Wenceslaus Altar Society and was also a life-long member of St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church in Bee.
In her free time, Helen enjoyed sewing, quilting and cooking for her family. Her true passion was working in her rose garden. Helen often took her roses to many special events and was known for her beautiful roses. In her younger years, she was involved in the church choir and often sang for numerous special events.
Helen is preceded in death by her parents; husband, Richard J. Duffek; and son, Richard A. Duffek.
Survivors cherishing her memory include her children and their spouses, Judy (Bruce) Barber of Lincoln, Daniel Duffek of Council Bluffs, Mark (Teresa) Duffek of Dwight, and James Duffek of Bee; grandchildren, Tony (Kelly) Duffek, Drew Duffek, Jerod (JonAnn) Duffek, Andrea (Jeremy) Schulzkump, Stazy (Jory) Shay, and Jordyn Duffek; great-grandchildren, McKena and Owen Duffek, Cole and Lane Schulzkump, AnnaBelle Duffek, Zayden Shay, and Odin Duffek.
Mass of Christian Burial was Aug. 19 at St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church in Bee with interment at the church cemetery. Memorial contributions are suggested to the Duffek Family for future designations. Arrangements by Zabka-Perdue Funeral Home.
