Helen Arlene Kolotka

Helen Arlene Kolotka Age 87, of Wilmington, IL passed peacefully into the arms of her heavenly Father at home on September 24, 2024 surrounded by family. Visitation will be held Monday, September 30, 2024 10am-12pm at R.W. Patterson Funeral Home in Braidwood, IL. Services to Follow at the funeral home. Burial at Ottawa Avenue Cemetery in Naplate, IL at 3pm. Born in Ottawa, IL on September 21, 1937. Her parents, Harvey T. and Violet E. (Gowin) Blue, raised her and her eleven siblings in Marseilles, IL. She attended Marseilles Grade School and Marseilles High School. She developed her Special Mothering Skills at a young age; leaving school to tend to her younger siblings while also cooking, cleaning, and helping to maintain the household. Additionally worked to contribute to the financial welfare of the family after the untimely death of her mother. She met the Love of Her Life, Paul (Charlie) Kolotka, introduced by her older brother Dan who married Paul’s older sister, Betty. They were married at St Mary’s Catholic Church in Naplate, IL on March 1, 1958, moved to Naplate and shortly after began a family. Together they raised three children. Her husband and children were the center of her universe and #1 priority. Nothing was more important than being an active, attentive mom and devoted wife. In 1968, her husband’s job required relocating to Braidwood, IL. She was an active member of the Council of Catholic Women at Immaculate Conception church in Braidwood, served as PTA President/Officer for years at Braidwood Schools, Den Mother for Cub Scouts, and Volunteer driver “bussing” students to and from sporting events and after school clubs when transportation to those events didn’t exist. (Baseball Games, Track Meets, Cheerleading, Pom Pom’s, CCD, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, Field Trips) In addition she provided snacks, treat bags, and drinks for the children even when finances were tight. She wasn’t just our Mom, she was Mrs. Kolotka and lauded a great deal of respect and love from many children in the community. She took pride in caring for her home and preparing wonderful home cooked meals. In addition to being a great cook, she enjoyed crocheting, crafting, visiting with friends, and Sunday afternoon Bingo at the church hall. After dinner, the rest of the night was family time. Her greatest joy was spending time with her husband whether it was working in the yard side by side with Charlie, maintaining the acre of grass, trees, flowers, and hedges they kept so neatly groomed, going fishing, planning a family picnic, or watching the White Sox or Cubs (on our black and white console TV) or relaxing on a family vacation. She loved growing beautiful flowers and big vegetable gardens, caring for fruit trees, and tending to grape vines. She canned fresh vegetables, made jellies and jams, and stored fresh fruits for winter. Paul (Charlie) passed away in 1985 leaving a huge void in her life. Widowed, she spent the rest of her life immersed in the love of family. She then devoted her life to spending as much time as possible with her Children, Grandchildren, Great Grandchildren, and Cherished Friends. She was often the Guest of Honor at Birthday Celebrations, First Communion and Confirmation celebrations, and holiday gatherings with her growing family. She loved going to Bingo with friends, having card party gatherings, and taking an occasional Casino trip. She frequented (as only a proud Mama, Gram, Grandma, and Gigi would) as many school plays, preschool thru college graduations, Sporting events, Speech and Music contests, Choir and Band Concerts, Gymnastic and Dance recitals, pageants, and even Hard Rock music venues (into her 80’s) when her youngest grandson performed. Her presence will be greatly missed but the memories will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved her. Preceded in death by her parents Harvey T and Violet (Gowin) Blue; spouse, Paul (Charlie) Kolotka; Mother-in-Law Anna (Nanouski) Kolotka; Brothers, Randal, Dickie, Harvey L. (Babe), Dan, Walter (Toad), Billie Ray, and Bob Blue; Sisters, Wanda Rasch, Violet (James) Shockey, and Viola Mosier. Survived by her children, Marcia (Joe) Ramirez, Charles (Patricia) Kolotka and Jane (Vince) Earl; Grandchildren, Rachel (Jason) Corneglio, David (Billie) Love, John (Aubrey) Ramirez, Kristin (Chase) Stewart, Paul (Danielle) Kolotka, Kelly (Lucas VanDyke) Kolotka, Brad (Ariana Karnezis) Earl; Great-Grandchildren, Cody Corneglio, Hunter Corneglio, Fallon Helenmarie Friddle, Dexter Ramirez, Laila Ramirez, Sparrow Jane Stewart, Charlotte (Charlie) Kolotka, Saylor Stewart; Brother, Charles Blue; Brother-in-law, Jack Mosier; Sister-in-Law, Sheila Blue; Countless nieces and nephews and Special Friend Carol Sammons.

Helen Arlene Kolotka

September 21, 1937 - September 24, 2024

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Helen Arlene Kolotka

September 21, 1937 - September 24, 2024

What We Do

Local Florists

Contact Us

About Us

Plan Ahead

Obituaries

Grief & Healing

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365 Days of Grief Support