----Source: The Thorp Courier October 10, 2001

Helen Cieslek

Helen R. Cieslek, age 92, of Thorp, died at the Clark County Health Care Center on Tuesday, October 9, 2001, at 12:15 a.m.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, October 12, 2001, at St. Bernards-St. Hedwig’s Catholic Church in Thorp. Father John Puerner will officiate and burial will follow in New St. Hedwig’s Catholic Cemetery. Grandsons will serve as pallbearers. Visitation will be held at the Thorp Funeral Home on Thursday, October 11, 2001 from 4:00-8:00 p.m. with a 7:00 p.m. Legion Auxiliary Service and a 7:30 p.m. Rosary Service.

Helen Rose Gwiazdon was born on January 9, 1909, in North Tonawanda, New York, the daughter of John and Antoinette (Nee Biernasz) Gwiazdon. As a young girl, she moved with her family to Thorp where she attended Sunny Lawn School. After completing her education, she moved to Chicago as a young woman and worked for Wells Gardner. She was united in marriage on June 7, 1927 at St. Hedwig’s Catholic Church in Thorp, to Henry Cieslek. In 1944 they moved back to Thorp and farmed until pursing the Wink Inn nightclub northeast of Thorp in 1948. In 1960, they sold the nightclub and moved into Thorp. Her husband Henry passed away on June 23, 1990. She continued to reside in Thorp until March of 2001. Helen was a very active member of St. Bernard’s-St. Hedwig’s Catholic Church and its P.C.C.W., and was a member of the Thorp Legion Auxiliary. She had many interests, but especially enjoyed socializing, crocheting, cooking, bingo and being with people.

She is survived by three daughters: Marian (Louis, Sr.) Bielecki of Thorp, Sylvia Cieslek of Thorp; Rosemary (Dr. Edward) Regehr of Holcombe; six grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; two great-great grandchildren; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Henry, two brothers; Frank and Pete; and two sisters; Rose and Bernice.