Helen "Sophie" Vuchetich

Helen "Sophie" Vuchetich died Friday January 22, 2016, at the age of 99 at Park Manor Nursing Home in Park Falls under the care of her many special friends and caregivers at the manor. Helen Vuchetich, “Sophie” to everyone, was born in Chisholm, Minnesota, on August 22, 1916. Daughter of Mila “Emil” and Marica (Smolich) Vuchetich, she, her parents, brothers and sisters moved to Park falls in 1920. In 1921, Emil bought the hotel located on Triangle Park and moved it to its present site on Highway 13. There, the family of 11 lived and operated “Vichy’s Bar” until the 1960s. Four of her brothers served in WWII, and the bar was a favorite meeting place during and after the war years for members of the “greatest generation.” Sophie was very often recruited to do the piano playing for the frequent spontaneous sing-a-longs. Sophie’s father, mother, five brothers; Frank (Connie), Michael (Marge), Karl (Frosty), John (Nancy) and Lawrence “Twit” (Annie) and three sisters; Margaret (Marco) Pozza, Antoinette “Jenny” (Dan) Vandehey, and Mary Vuchetich all pre-deceased Sophie. Surviving are four sisters-in-law: Frosty, Marge, Nancy and Ann. Several generations of nieces and nephews also survive who will miss her greatly. Sophie attended St. Anthony’s Catholic grade school and Lincoln High School, graduating in 1934. During the depression years of 1934-1940, she worked in sales assistance and sewing for Rabinowich’s Men’s Store and Kate’s Style Shop. Then, through the ensuing war and post war years, she was employed as, in order; assistant city clerk - City of Park Falls, secretary at Edward Hines Lumbar Company, secretary and payroll clerk US Department of Agriculture - Forest Service and area secretary for the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, retiring from the DNR in 1978 at the age of 63 with a special appreciation for her colleagues at the DNR. During her entire working career, Sophie and her friends helped out at the Catholic Church and rectory including counting Sunday morning collections, assisting at countless bazaars and fundraisers, cooking for visiting clergy and anything else asked of them. After retirement from the DNR, she acted as co-chairwoman of a funeral committee. She was a long-time member of the Catholic Daughters. Over her long life, Sophie has enjoyed travel, sewing, quilting and crocheting, and crossword puzzles. She and her sister Mary lived at home and cared for their mother and father as they grew older. Sophie has always followed the news and politics and has served as a delegate to the Wisconsin Democratic Convention in the past. In recent years, Sophie enjoyed her life at Park Manor where she graciously welcomed visitors, and could be found crocheting, saying a daily rosary, doing crossword puzzles, playing bingo and keeping up with sports and current events. Funeral Services will be held on Saturday January 30, 2016 at 11:00 am at St. Anthony's Catholic Church in Park falls, Fr. Shaji Pazhukkathara will officiate. Visitation will be held on Saturday January 30, 2016 at 10:00 am until the hour of service at the church. Burial will follow at Nola Cemetery. The Novitzke Funeral Home is assisting the Family.

Helen "Sophie" Vuchetich

August 22, 1916 - January 22, 2016